POLOKWANE – “I was born a fashion designer. My mother worked as one and I followed in her footsteps. I decided to study and get my degree in fashion designing in Uganda.”
While living in Polokwane, designing her own clothes, and dressing the way she loves, her friends asked her to teach their children to design and make their own clothes too.
“I decided to open a design school and four years ago Polokwane School of Fashion and Design was born. We opened with only three students and today we have 160 students. Of these, 135 are full-time students and the other 25 are part-time students. We also have six tutors.”
She explains that they offer three courses: a beginners’ course of 12 months, an advanced intermediate course of six months and a self-enrichment course of three months. They now offer NQF level two.
“This means we can offer courses of up to two years. We are also accredited by Seta and we now offer computer lessons where we teach students first how to use a computer and then eventually how to make and design on the computer, then take it to paper and then to cloth.”
She explains that the courses consist of 80% practicals, and students have to make their own patterns and learn how to sew and everything else involved with fashion and design.
“We encourage our students to work hard. We assist them to find employment, if they do not want to create work for themselves. We are looking for those who want to learn.” Jamilah says that they provide all materials and the machines.
“A student does not need Gr 12 to enrol. They just need to be 16 years or older. Students can pay in instalments and some years we even offer bursaries.” Classes are from 08:00 to 14:00 every day, and there are evening classes from 16:00 to 18:30, as well as weekend classes on Saturdays and Sundays.
The school is located at 61 Market Street, opposite McDonalds, next to Selfast.
Contact Details:
• Whatsapp: 076 987 5889
• Call: 078 987 5889 or 015 291 2249
E-mail: jamfashiondesign1@gmail.com
