Sewing course graduates showcase their handiwork (PHOTOS)
Graduation coincided with the donation of maize meal to three projects in Nsimbini, which have partnered with A Centre That Serves.
IT WAS a special day for Gcina Mtshali of Igugu La Bantu sewing project in Nsimbini, a partner project of Toti-based NGO A Centre That Serves (ACTS) on Friday, 29 May.
Six young women graduated from a basic sewing course headed by Gcina and two team members. There was much excitement, the simple, bare room at Igugu was decorated with beautiful fabric drapes, samples of work done by the project were cleverly displayed and various people who have supported the project were invited to the event.
“Certificates were handed out and the graduates wore colourful garments they had made themselves. A fashion show was followed by a poetry reading by James Mbhele and gospel singing by Gcina,” said Marian Immerman, a mixed media artist who has supported Igugu La Bantu in the past with clothing and fabric donations.
Marian also showcased her art work titled ‘Nyala – play the game fairly’. This art piece will be on display at the ‘Intellectual Property Exhibition’ at the KZNSA Gallery in July.
Some time ago, she approached Premier Foods which manufactures Nyala, told them about her art piece and asked them to donate maize meal to three projects which are supported by Carol van Zyl of ACTS. Premier agreed to donate over 300kg of maize meal to be divided among Khaya Langa pre-school feeding project, Nsimbini Community Centre feeding project and the Igugu La Bantu sewing project, which was delivered on graduation day.
“Growing together is Premier’s mantra and we are happy to work with ACTS and Marian Immerman to help feed those in need. We hope that in some small way our contribution will help enable those in the Nsimbini community to break free from the cycle of poverty,” said brand manager, Peane Maponyane.
Around 25% of the 20,000 population in Nsimbini are orphans and one of their greatest needs is food security.
“The need is great, but the community is passionate about turning their lives around and helping each other,” said Carol. ACTS works in partnership with these projects daily to support and empower them.
The Khaya Langa Pre-School feeding project used to feed almost 2,000 children but due to a shortage of food, donations are currently only able to feed 47 pre-school children five days a week. The much-needed donation of maize meal will help to feed extra children from the community. Most recipients are either orphans or live in child-headed homes. Through donations, the project has managed to plant a vegetable garden that helps supply fresh produce to a soup kitchen.
The Nsimbini Community Centre feeding project currently feeds 50 children, but with the donation from Premier, will be able to feed twice that number per day. An initial donation of land, followed by a container donation, enabled them to set-up a soup kitchen and pre-school which operates four days a week. Run by the community, the project ploughs any funding back into helping those most in need and also endeavours to keep children in school.
The Igugu La Bantu sewing project was the proud recipient of a Mayoral Award for the best rural community upliftment project in 2013, for the work it does in teaching women to sew. Lessons are free of charge and to date, 18 women have learnt to design their own patterns and sew, with six more having graduated on Friday. ACTS donated school uniform fabric to the project which has resulted in Gcina and his team securing contracts with three local schools to supply uniforms. Everyone works as volunteers and any profits are used to buy equipment and fabric. Recently they set-up a soup kitchen and the maize meal donation will help jump start the feeding scheme.
