Vocational Workshops | New Horizon Special School

Explore Our Vocational Workshops

At the age of 18, all students who can access the workshop area graduate into the vocational workshop program, where they learn one or more of the following: Beading, Basketry, Kente Weaving, Sewing, Doormat Weaving, and Batik Tie & Dye.

BEADING

workshop

Beading Workshop

Instructor: Alia Sfarijlani

In our Beadwork Workshop, students are taught bead making and how to create a range of beautiful, colourful items.

Various types of beads are purchased before the beginning of the term by the beading instructor. The beads are directly attached to bags, necklaces, bracelets, key rings, placemats, tissue holders, and jewellery boxes. The beading is done with the use of a needle and plastic threads.

Basketry Workshop

Instructor: Christian Agesine

Instructor: Julius Osekere

In our Basketry Workshop, students are taught how to weave different types of baskets – including the Bolga basket – and make a range of items that include pencil holders, wastepaper bins and baskets for hampers.

The Bolga basket has its origin in the Upper East town of Bolgatanga, hence its name! It is made from a type of straw that is purchased from the Upper East region. The straws are treated with a specific type of dye that is used to colour the straws before the weaving process begins.

Kente Workshop

Instructor: Alex Nyanueke

Instructor: Kojo Poku

Kente is a Ghanaian fabric designed with colourful threads that are woven together in a special loom. The process originated in the town of Bonwire, in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

In our Kente Workshop, special threads are purchased and students are taught how to weave different patterns with the loom. They are taught to weave kente strips, placemats and kente stoles. Working with the loom can be particularly therapeutic for autistic students because of its repetitive nature and helps to develop good coordination skills.

Batik & Tie Dye Workshop

Instructor: Musah Quaye

Instructor: Yvonne Adoboe

In our Batik & Tie Dye Workshop, students learn this specialised method of dyeing fabrics by twisting, folding, and tying the fabric, and then soaking it in dye, thereby creating unique patterns and designs.

The students engage in a lengthy process that includes designing, heating, dyeing, cooling, washing, and ironing. The unique fabric is used for dresses, tablecloths, napkins and more!