Rays of Hope in Hurlingham continues to make strides in empowering more young women in Alexandra.
At its sewing centre, the local organisation recently hosted Joao Ferreira, a known figure in the fashion industry, for an 18-week course.
The young women were taught how to sew and make garments to sell within the community. This included how to thread a needle, measure people for clothing and the right way to work with a sewing machine.
“Rays of Hope’s aim is to help move the people of Alexandra from vulnerability to independence and through this initiative, we are doing just that.
ALSO READ: Rays of Hope empower young boys to become peace ambassadors
“Not only are we making these ladies self-sufficient, but we are also giving them the tools to be able to make clothes for themselves and their families. They can also sell them to the rest of the community” said Ferreira.
At the start of the five month-long course, the ladies were partnered up and required to take each other’s measurements. From that, they had to make a garment specific to their initial measurements.
In December, when the course ends and the garment is done, the ladies will be able to see if they fit and if they completed the course correctly.
“As we are working with the ladies every step of the way, they should all be able to pass the course with flying colours and received their certificate from Rays of Hope at the end. They can use this for future job opportunities”, says Ferreira.
To add more excitement, at the end of the course in December the ladies will be hosting a small fashion show where they will be able to display and sell some of the items that they have made through the five-month journey.
Rays of Hopes plans to extend this initiative into the new year and provide a space where more young women can practice their skills, be taught small business practices, and start generating an income.
ALSO READ: Giving teen moms a second chance
