Take for example, Hanuni Ab Halim’s project, Decoupage – Learning to Make Beautiful Art, a creative and socially impactful initiative under the Merdeka 118 Commmunity Grants Programme Cycle 2, supported by PNBMV and Think City, for underprivileged women from Pudu Precincts.
Through a series of hands-on workshops, she introduced the art of decoupage – the craft of cutting and pasting decorative paper onto materials like wood, metal, or glass – to women and unemployed individuals from B40 households. Beyond just teaching a craft, the project provided participants with a pathway to generate income by creating and selling their own unique, craft products. The workshops also covered marketing basics, showing participants how to photograph their work and set up social media accounts to promote and sell their creations. For many, it became not only a new livelihood skill but also a therapeutic and enjoyable outlet for creativity.
Since receiving the grant, Hanuni’s workshops have had a tangible impact on her community. Participants have sold their handcrafted decoupage items at bazaars, events, and through social media, earning extra income while gaining confidence in their abilities. The initiative also uncovered other skills within the community, such as sewing, which allowed the group to diversify their handmade product offerings and involve more people in meaningful, paid work. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging entrepreneurship, Hanuni helped participants take their first steps towards greater financial independence and self-reliance.
