Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Zaamin district in Djizak region gathered over 20 local women residents from "Laylak Uya” village and neighboring mahallas (small local self-government units) to take part in the special trainings on producing felt products. A professional master, a member of Uzbek Craftsmen Association Mrs. Rassiya Djumanazarova shared her rich skills on making various souvenirs from ordinary sheep wool with the local villagers.

The training programmes were enriched with theoretical and practical sessions. At the theoretical part the participants were provided with various handouts, containing information on wool processing, qualities of felt products and ways on how to make finished goods from wool. The master showcased a variety of handmade slippers, shawls, scarves and other felt items, decorated with national patterns and colors.

The practical sessions included the introduction into the wool processing stages, including washing, dyeing, processing, brushing and rolling the wool to get the felt, as well as producing felted souvenir items. It is worth noting that each participant had an opportunity to independently make a pair of felted slippers as a part of the training task.

"How many wonderful and valuable things one can make from wool" - said the Deputy Governor of Zaamin district on Women Issues Mrs. Mukarram Eshonova. - "Here in Zaamin almost every family is involved in animal husbandry. The district has enough resource base of wool to make high quality felted goods. Advancing the skills of local villagers on wool processing will allow them to start manufacturing felt products for the need of local people and tourists visiting Zaamin for health treatment and recreational purposes, as well as studying the rich culture and ethnography of the local community. The development of this industry in the region significantly contributes to the development of entrepreneurship among women and generation of additional sources of income for local families.

Following the trainings, at least three mahallas in Zaamin district showed a growing interest to start producing felted items from May this year.

The trainings were organized by the UNDP Local Governance Support Project: Participation and Partnership in partnership with the Khokimiyat (Local Administration) of Zaamin district within the implementation of the project initiative on developing Community Based Tourism in this area.