Apprentices who could hardly switch on a sewing machine when they began in February, successfully graduated from their sewing course.
The Union of Jewish Women (UJW) established an empowerment sewing school in 2010 in order to contribute towards alleviating South Africa’s most pressing problems – skills development and poverty.
According to UJW office and projects manager, Vanessa Weltman, since then, the school has seen over 80 students learn new skills and graduate from the course. “Some have found employment in the industry and others are working for themselves and are producing beautiful items for sale. It is with great pride that our February class has graduated with Ariane Heneck as manager at the helm,” said Weltman.
“These students came to this course hardly able to switch on a sewing machine and graduated wearing their outfits and showcased all the items they made on this course. Our teacher, Chido Tsodzo – the most loved and respected teacher and mentor – guided our students through this intense sewing programme with a lot of patience and care.”
She concluded, “We congratulate the students on their achievements – they completed all that was required of them with a lot of enthusiasm and skill. Not even the strict cleaning protocols and social distancing slowed them down.”
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