Retail space at Durban North autism centre opens
Not only second-hand and donated items are sold at the AIA Emporium but also goods and crafts that are the good work of the students themselves.
THRIFTING is king in this day and age as people have become more conscious of how they spend their pennies and the choices they make and how it affects the environment.
For non-profit operations, such as Action in Autism in Park Hill, it also become a means of generating an income and for their students to learn work experience at the same time.
READ ALSO: Cameras could be the way forward to curb illegal dumping in Glenhills
The Action In Autism (AIA) Emporium was opened on June 7 by staff and the students who attend the Shahumna Centre, a skills transference centre and business hub that aims to kickstart and accelerate autistic people’s entry into the formal economy.
“The retail space has been in the pipeline for some time. Not only is the AIA Emporium an income generator, it also assists the students in obtaining first-hand experience in a business setting. This supplements their business studies curriculum,” said Ashveer Dalu, manager for the Shahumna Centre.
Cash flow management, record-taking, stock take and customer service and relations are some of the daily tasks managed by the students.
Not only second-hand and donated items are sold at the AIA Emporium but also goods and crafts that are the good work of the students themselves.
“We welcome donations of new and preloved clothing, books, jewellery and accessories, arts and crafts and the like. Our students also grow their own succulents and plant fresh produce which is sold, as well. The catering students bake delicious cookies which are available weekly, too,” said Dalu.
“The shop-keeping duties are rotated between the students,” said Mike Youens, who was in charge for the week when the Northglen News visited the store.
“My duty is to make sure that the shop is in good condition and to greet and assist customers. That’s very important in business,” said Youens.
Kurt Joseph, who is in charge of receipt writing, said, “Once somebody has made a sale and the customer has paid, I have to write out the receipt and store it in a box. I then hand them over to Ash at the end of the day,” said Joseph.
Luyanda Ngxongo updates and rotates stock, while ensuring that the rails are kept neat and tidy.
Melita Mandlate also assists with keeping the store looking presentable.
“Business is booming, but we do need more people to come in. Our baked goods are our quickest seller,” said Mandlate.
You can assist the AIA Emporium by donating goods, buying items and spreading the word about the store. You can also share their social media posts from the Action In Autism and Shahumna Centre Facebook pages.
The Action in Autism Emporium is open to the public on Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00.
For more information, email ashveer@actioninautism.org.za or call 076 166 7207.
*The Shahumna Skills Transfer Programme for autistic adults is looking for a skills facilitator who understands neurodiversity and has experience with autism. The candidate must be able to drive and speak English and isiZulu. Anyone with an interest in food production, arts and craft, catering or entrepreneurship will be at an advantage. Applications can be sent to aiadirector@actioninautism.org.za before 31 July.
