TWENTY grandmothers from KwaNyuswa joined their grandchildren at school and for some it has been more than 40 years since they last stepped foot in a classroom.
Now in its fourth year of operation, the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s (HACT) dress-making school has become a beacon of hope for hundreds of grannies who are eager to learn a new skill that will enable them to put food on their family’s table.
The school offers six-month sewing courses to members of the organisation’s granny support groups programme that provides psychosocial support and economic empowerment opportunities to more than 2 000 grannies from 10 communities across the Valley of 1 000 Hills region.
“Many of our gogos are struggling both emotionally and financially to care of their grandchildren who have lost their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS, political violence and other issues,” explained HACT’s granny support groups assistant manager, Phindiwe Mashiloane.
“The gogos learn how to make dresses, school uniforms and other garments which they can sell. They also get a sewing machine to take home and use when they finish the class.”
The school has proved immensely popular with local grannies, many of whom will trek long distances from surrounding communities to attend their weekly classes during the next six months.
“We are very happy with this initiative and see a bright future ahead of us now,” said Thulisile Mkhize, one of the new 2017 dress-making students.
HACT’s second dress-making school, based in Molweni, will also be opening its doors to its first class of 2017 early next month.
“We have a very busy and exciting year ahead for our gogos,” said Phindiwe. “These women do so much for their families and communities. It’s wonderful for them to do something for themselves too.”
