I agree with you to an extent. But there isnt a great demand for knitters and sewers.
My point was that we need to have an educational center for these people that will broaden their skills and give them the tools to survive without being on public assistance.
I would rather spend the money now to invest in the future of someone else rather than give them a check for 20-30 years and have them learn nothing and have no skills.
Knitting and sewing are life skills, like knowing how to balance a checkbook. Or how to find a husband. Or how to make a lunch for your kids. Or how to cook and not just dump snack food and fast food on your children.