The union is a charitable organisation which has committed to the upliftment and empowerment of disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Through the generosity of various donors, the union was able to equip the sewing school with sewing machines and managed to source donations of fabric.
Seamstress Bijoux Kapinga was employed as a teacher, and the students were recruited from amongst the church’s members. The excitement was palpable when the first batch of students recently attended a very special graduation ceremony, and modelled the outfits which they had made.
This was a fashion show with a difference, and it was difficult to believe that six months earlier none of the students had ever used a sewing machine.
The aim of the sewing school is to empower unemployed people and equip them with the required skills to ultimately be in a position to support themselves. The school is now producing carry bags and tablecloths which can be ordered through the offices of the Johannesburg branch of the Union of Jewish Women.
Details: www.ujw.co.za
