A group of young women can now pursue a career in fashion or become entrepreneurs after they successfully completed a three-month sewing course.
This forms part of The Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) Stitch Ahead Programme.
The Green Point-based organisation aims to transform the lives of marginalised youth in Cape Town through various educational and vocational programmes.
On Friday 15 September, Sherol Adams and Thantaswa Mpayipeli were two of 15 women who graduated from the programme.
The programme is funded by the National Development Agency (NDA).
The Stitch Ahead Programme is meticulously crafted to empower women between the ages of 18 and 35, providing them with vital hand and machine sewing skills.
To address period poverty that affects thousands of women, the curriculum also includes training on sewing reusable sanitary pads.
Upon graduation, each participant receives an exit kit that equips them with essential tools to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.
This kit includes fabrics and haberdashery items, enabling them to craft their initial products for sale.
Adams says the programme equipped her with much-needed skills which will enable her to start her dream career in fashion design.
“The course was amazing. You need to be focused and committed. I learned about the different types of sewing machines and what they are used for. They taught us about different fabrics, designs and patterns.”
The Delft resident explains she is grateful that she could be part of the programme.
“I did not have to pay a cent and I gained so much from this programme. The bonus to me was receiving a brand-new sewing machine and some fabric. As soon as I have enough funds, I can start my own small business.”
Mpayipeli said the programme was a “life-changing” experience.
“I was at home not doing anything, so my family encouraged me to join this programme. When I was younger, I always wanted to be a fashion designer. So, I decided to take up the challenge. It was not easy but worth it.”
Mpayipeli says thanks for the skills she learned. She wore a dress which she designed and sewed to the graduation.
“I am so grateful. They taught us valuable skills. I have now started making sling bags which I am selling to high school learners so that they can carry their text books.”
She encouraged other women to follow their dreams and equip themselves with the necessary skills.
Ardiel Soeker, NDA provincial manager, said statistics underscore the alarming rates of youth unemployment across the country.
“It is within this concerning context that the NDA ardently champions economic growth and the creation of job prospects for our young population. Our aim is to empower them to enhance not only their own lives but also uplift the communities they call home. As we extend our warmest wishes to these young women on their journey, we are committed, in partnership with the Salesian Institute Youth Projects, to diligently track their progress.”
The culmination of the course is marked by a business development segment where participants delve into further learning, honing their skills in brand creation, logo design, letterhead development, and digital business card creation.
Additionally, they explore various digital platforms that empower them to market and operate small businesses successfully.
This cohort of participants received entrepreneurial and business coaching courtesy of Company Partners, a company specialising in providing compliance services to a multitude of startup businesses.
Rev Francois Dufour, Chief Executive Officer of SIYP, expressed his gratitude.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated funders and supporters who have been instrumental in our journey.”
Dufour appeals to funders for future cohorts to invest in the youth. He said they can do this by not only providing funding for the programme’s continuation but also by offering employment opportunities.
“By doing so, we can collectively combat unemployment and contribute to the construction of a more robust and prosperous nation. Some of the programme’s graduates are already making strides in the job market,” he concludes.
