WHEN it comes to pursuing dreams and ambition, age is of no barrier for Lorna Jau, 57.
The mother of four believes that all it takes is for one to dream hard and then strive hard to achieve those dreams.
She has no qualms going back to “school” at her age to take up a tailoring course so she could undergo proper training.
“Actually tailoring has always been my passion, but I also harbour hopes to put my family land to good use by turning it into a plantation as gardening has always been my hobby.
“I don’t see my age as a problem as many women older than myself have also just begun to continue their studies to achieve their ambition.
“I have done my part as a wife and mother, so now it is time for me to focus on my own dreams,” she said.
Lorna shared with TVS her ambition of owning her own boutique of which will be named Lorna’s Creations and from there, make enough capital to venture into agriculture and farming.
“All my children have grown up and completed their studies,” said the mother of three children aged between 19 and 27.
Lorna harbours dreams of one day owning her own boutique besides wanting to be walking proof that anyone can excel at any age and that it is never too late to chase after one’s ambitions
Lorna is currently into of fourth month of training to becoming a seamstress at the Centre of Technical Excellence (Centexs) in Dalat, Sarawak.
A few months ago, she had followed her husband who is a police officer to transfer to Dalat from her hometown of Belaga.
“When I saw Centexs here, I just knew I had to apply as it seemed to be calling out to me everyday and it was also like a coincidence as I had always wanted to have proper training in tailoring to make my own income.
“And now I have all the free time to do so.
“I never thought my application for fun was accepted and I was offered a course here for free as it is fully funded by the state government,” said Lorna.
She has no qualms too that she is surrounded with other students half of her age and is being taught by a teacher who is young enough to be her daughter.
“It’s alright, again, age is just just number and if we’re shy we will never learn and find new knowledge.
“I may be the oldest here but I also hope to be an inspiration to others who wish to start something, just do it.. age is just a number,” she said.
Her course mate, Angelia Deanna Bt Nyatan, 25, nodded in agreement and said that even though she could always sew, getting proper vocational training helped in becoming more confident with herself and her skills.
“I see those who undergo training here are more recognised, with their skills much sought-after.
“I love sewing and tailoring, so I think this place is a good start for me as a training ground before I venture out on my own,” she said.
Their teacher, Dayang Sabtuyah Awang Sharbini, 37, who is also a Centexs graduate herself said to date the Centre had already helped produce more than 150 qualified tailors and designers since the Centre was officiated in 2017.
“There are many things they can do once they complete their course here. Some choose to be full-time tailors, some venture into business and some become trainers like myself.
“This centre has helped produce some very good tailors and a famous songket and keringkam maker, who now is making a name for herself in Kuching.
“It’s good to be able to turn a hobby into steady income ,” said the mother of three.
