SENA Basic Pattern Manual: The Challenge of Collective and Intercultural Work

Abstract

The frustration experienced by apprentices in technical and technological programs that include garment making skills led a group of instructors from the Center for Textile and Leather Manufacturing (CMTC) at SENA in Bogotá, with the collaboration of international volunteers, to create a manual addressing this issue. It emerged within the framework of a Colombo-Japanese Cooperation Program, and was based on immersion in interculturality, diversity, and teamwork to develop the SENA Pattern Making Manual. This article describes the systematization of experiences, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange to generate new perspectives. The manual, grounded in body logic, emphasizes practicality but may require additional guidance for clarity. It also serves as a support tool for instructors, enhancing the interpretation, creation, and innovation of apprentices in garment design. These contributions inform the ongoing development of the second version of the SENA Pattern Making Manual.