Instructor helps women sew their dreams
'I love sewing and I love helping people. This is my way of giving back to the community,'
With a skilful hand, a kind heart and a giving spirit, Regina January makes it her mission to help disadvantaged women sew their dreams.
About 14 years ago a non-profit organisation known as Ikageng Sewing School was established to help provide opportunities for underprivileged women in the form of a sewing course.
This course teaches a range of skills as the women learn to make dresses, school uniforms, skirts, shirts, bed linen, curtains and almost everything in between.
“We want to equip women – especially from local informal settlements – with the skills they need to start their own business. We want to give them the opportunity to make a living for themselves. I know how it feels because I was once one of these women. My parents didn’t have the means to send me to university after school so I attended this very Ikageng Sewing School course,” Regina said.
This passionate teacher was once the student of Elsie van Eck, whom she fondly remembers as the one who taught her everything she knows. Regina recalls falling so in love with the craft, she couldn’t resist the offer of working side by side with her mentor of many years. Elsie, however, resigned last year, leaving Regina as the centre’s only instructor.
“I am very fortunate to be able to teach these women everything I know. Most of them don’t have the machines, material or the space, and that’s where we come in. We offer one-year courses and by the time they finish, they must know how to sew in order to generate an income for themselves. I love sewing and I love helping people. This is my way of giving back to the community,” she said.
When Regina isn’t teaching, she enjoys making matric farewell dresses and wedding gowns, among other things. Since they rely solely on donations from the community, she would like to ask donors for their assistance in the form of any material off-cuts, sewing machines or thread that aren’t being used.
“The community is more than welcome to come and have a look at what we do. I would also like to thank Mrs Fourie and Mrs Rudram for their most recent donations and support,” she said.
Regina hopes to be a role model for these women and aim to address poverty in many households through this selfless service. If you would like to find out more, feel free to contact Regina on 082 529 1809.
