As a way to preserve their heritage, the Sun and the Moon Academy has started a beads project for young people.
They make various traditional things such as necklaces, bracelets and handbags.The academy is a project founded by Sam Khoza, Prudence Makumu and Margate Ripinga. They currently have about nine local children who they are training.
According to Ripinga, the project was started last year and their aim is to bring change through this handwork project.“We want young people to get off the streets and do something good for themselves. We thought of teaching them beadwork and the power they have when using their hands. Through this they will be successful. When we are done beading, we sell the products. We want to attract tourists in our community through these projects. We want these young people to teach others and our heritage will move from one generation to another.”
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The kids they are training are from KaMhlushwa. “We do everything for free and we believe that this will improve their lives. We buy all the things needed from our own pockets and currently work from a garage in Phosaville. Our working environment is small and we hope to grow into something bigger that can accommodate us. We want to invite our customers to see what we have worked on.”
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Ripinga said they would like to ask local businesses and community members to help them grow. “We would like to have an office, which tourists can visit, and we need more beads.”
Those who would like to assist the initiative, can contact 079 128 8858 or 071 386 0923.
