MOST kids these days would rather play games or simply spend more time with their gadgets. It may appear fun to them, but it is not as valuable as learning skills that will allow them to grow personally.
Andrea Claire Claro, or AC, an 8-year-old from Ilocos Norte, has a different plan for her childhood. AC is well-known for her skill in weaving their local cloth, “Inabel.”
Screenshot from: ABS-CBN News
Despite her youth for such a demanding technique, Inabel Textile Weaving in Ilocos Norte regards her as the youngest weaver in town.
According to ABS-CBN News, the older weavers saw potential in AC’s weaving talents and were pleased to witness her enthusiasm and dedication to weaving.
Furthermore, AC is one of 100 student scholars at Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan Cultural Center who have been given the opportunity to learn Inabel weaving for free.
What’s amazing about the notion is that the majority of the scholars are already in high school and college, making AC the youngest to learn weaving in their community.
Her training began in January and was led by National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo, the town’s oldest weaver, with the purpose of preserving their weaving legacy. This also commemorates Gamayo’s 100th birthday.
Screenshot from: ABS-CBN News
They are especially impressed with AC’s ability to reach for the weaving machine’s pedal despite her diminutive size.
She finds it difficult to reach, but Gamayo is there to help her along the route. She is currently learning how to prepare the threads for weaving.
According to her mother, Reanna Claro, the youngster was inspired by her grandmother, which prompted her to begin weaving as well. They do, however, allow the child to enjoy herself by playing with children her own age.
Her mother also hopes that AC will act as an inspiration to her peers and spark an interest in weaving. Currently, the Weaving Training Program accepts scholars from all around the country.
The main goal of the program is to conserve the culture of Inabel weaving, or to allow it to spread and strengthen the art of weaving in future generations.
