A little bit of magic inspires street children
Gail Elson, marketing manager for I Care said the boys had picked up the skill exceptionally quickly.
THE Magic Bean Foundation hosted a workshop at City View Mall where street children and youth from the ICare drop in centre in Greyville learnt how to upcycle plastic bags into beautiful crochet items such as bags, mats and plant pots.
The initiative left Thabiso Mbatha (18) dreaming of a better life.
“It was hard to do the crochet, but not too hard, I can do it. I think if I practice it will get easier. It is a good way to make money and it helps me with stress. I feel relaxed when I do this sort of thing. I also do beadwork and I am learning how to sing. I try to keep busy by learning new things. My dream is to one day be a pilot,” he said.
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Sindi Shezi from MBF said eight boys from I Care were at the workshop. “Today we are teaching the boys how to use plastic recycling to make money,” she said.
The team also had items on sale at their stand near the mall’s entrance.
Gail Elson, marketing manager for ICare said the boys had picked up the skill exceptionally quickly.
“We are very grateful to the Magic Bean Foundation for giving us this opportunity. We really hope the boys continue and become successful entrepreneurs. They took great interest and picked it up fast,” she said.
Another youth attending the workshop, Andile Ngcobo said: “I’d like to thank ICare for helping to take me off the street. My dream is to teach children to swim. I like to surf and I love painting and I’d love to study art,” he said.
Ngcobo recently set to work painting some of the concrete dustbins outside the mall, transforming them into colourful beacons with his geometric designs.
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MBF was founded by Durban North residents, Lorraine Evans and Shelley Stievenart.
“We were very excited that the boys caught on so quickly. They were so focused and really enjoyed themselves. It was such a heartwarming day to see these young boys, who usually spend time on the streets, creating something. It will be awesome if they continue with it,” said Evans.
A MBF display is often spotted at the La Lucia Mall where they sell selected items made by women in various communities including KwaMashu and Mount Moriah.
