We are lucky to have a bit different situation in this part of Germany (Eastern Germany, former GDR). Here is a long tradition of professional lace making. Lace making was an offically recognized craft. Lace teacher were paid by the state and gave lessons not only in schools, but as well in clubs nearly for free. So young people had a good chance to learn lace making. Now, this was finished in 1989 - no schooling at the university, no apprentice training, because they could no longer earn money by making lace. Bu the tradition is still alive. Many parents want their children learn making lace and in nearly every household you find a pillow and a grandma or aunt, who can show it to children. So we have clubs and after school workshops also for children. This is a very special situation and we see, that we are losing the next generation against TV, computer and higher requirements of school. What we did as a local supplier, 15 years ago, was to install a childrens lace contest. They get a theme every year and are asked to make their own pattern. Most of them have a teacher who helps them working it. We have defined four groups: 7 to 10, 11 to 14, 15 to 18 years + group work. Every child gets a memory bobbin with inscription, a document and the first ten of every group a price (from money to voucher). We have a jury of three experienced teacher (teaching lace making and children). There are nearly 100 children taking part every year (not only from our area, but also from Western Germany, Spain, Belgium, Russia) and the prize award ceremony is a big thing, because all parents, siblings, friends are taking part. The works are exhibited in december, some of them are going to another place. All of his is very stressfull for us and nothing we can actually earn money with, but we believe it is an investment in the future. And it is great to see these children grow and develop their skills in the course of years. As I said, it is a sprecial situation and better than in many other countries, but I believe it is important to give children a chance and to encourage them.
Gabriele http://www.kloeppelkiste.de - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
