A PROACTIVE and inventive community development project has birthed an innovative fabric range. The beautiful range of fabrics that was inspired by the Ufafa Valley crafters near Ixopo will be launched at an exhibition at the KZN Society of Arts Gallery in Glenwood on Tuesday, 17 October.
Designed to give a voice to the voiceless: Woza Moya Community Development Project was established in 2000 by providing home-based health care in response to the devastating impact of HIV/Aids in the region.
It also includes child care and protection; sustainable livelihoods; early childhood development, and youth development, which directly impacts on 2000 people and benefits closer to 8000 people in the community.
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The craft enterprise is the cornerstone of the organisation. It has a range of hand-embroidered images, originally designed by Leonie Malherbe, which have now been digitally printed onto fabric to be made into a contemporary product range.
The Ufafa Valley range gives a voice to a group of tenacious and vulnerable women stricken by poverty and hardships. This project differs from similar endeavours as the starting point was not harnessing existing handiwork skills in order to create a sustainable income – but to teach skills to a group of women who had none.
After a decade of training, guiding, sharing and enabling, the women of the valley are now designers of a range of exquisite fabrics which, to those who have been part of the journey, is a cause for celebration.
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Director, Sue Hedden is ecstatic with this new chapter and sense of accomplishment this means to the crafters.
“Through this creative process dignity is restored as the women grown in self-confidence and self-esteem. The crafters are now proud, affirmed and independent women!” said Hedden.
Angela Shaw of the KZNSA was commissioned to advise on range planning, product design and market presentation.
For more information about the work of Woza Moya Community Development Project in the Ufafa Valley visit: wozamoya.org.za.
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