THE reviving of knitting, the weaving of specific types of mats, the making of coconut oil, and other traditional skills by women from the Joritani Methodist church is hoped to create a source of income for members.
Members of the church's women's association held a handicraft display on Monday as part of their efforts to attract other women in the community, in particular those in their youth.
The wife of the church's pastor, Asenaca Pareti, said elder members of the association wanted to revive old skills they feared would die out with their generation.
"We want younger members of the association to learn skills like mat weaving, knitting, oil making. Not only can these skills create a source of income. They can also help women spend more time at home. For those like me who are retired, these skills help pass the time," she explained.
As a retired schoolteacher with 33 years experience, Mrs Pareti knows all too well how house duties and "staying at home" can become boring for housewives and urged other women to develop these skills.
"These skills help pass the time. There's been a lot of enthusiasm and even competition among members. These creations can be used to decorate the home and there's also a demand for them.
"Today's display was a chance for our members to display their creations. They have been weaving different types of mats, mats that are specifically woven for certain i-Taukei ceremonies or traditions. It's also garnered a lot of interest from younger women," she explained.
Ms Pareti called on other women in Wainimako subdivision in Cunningham who were yet to join the association to make use of the opportunity.