There was ululating, laughter and joy as the new graduates celebrated their achievements at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, La Rochelle on August 20.
The students started class on May 13. There was a basic computer skills course facilitated by Illana Marais and a basic and advanced sewing course facilitated by Monique Kishala.
The former was supported by The Ryan Foundation in Cape Town while the sewing classes were by Grassroots Heroes International (GHI) in collaboration with St Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Kishala said the church is giving back to the community and they are grateful. “We know that God is leading the way with these projects. This is a special day. From May to August, the luckiest gentlemen have been students in both projects. The journey has been very long and tough. However, the students should be proud of themselves.
“When we started the sewing classes they were only for migrant women but the reality is all women have the same problems, be it in society, family or work. Hence the church opened its doors to all women, ultimately to men too. I see sewing as the first job in the world because everyone wears clothes,” she said.
Brazilian Father Eduardo Gabriel, who is leaving SA for India said he thanked the graduates for their efforts.
“This hall we are in has been refurbished especially for this graduation, you are the first people to use it. Please take these courses seriously, they are for you. Also, take care of the area where you study so that the next batch of students can use it, and take care of the equipment you are using; the computers and sewing machines,” he said.
Deacon Walter Middleton complimented the beauty in the house before delivering his comments. “It is like we are having Miss Universe, ladies you are beautiful. It’s been eight years now and we’ve trained about 450 women so far.
“Thank you to GHI for giving us donations to buy sewing machines. Kishala was the first student, look at her now. We also thank the Nuncio in Pretoria for funding.
“Father Eduardo also helped us this year to get funding in Cape Town. Thank you Kishala for your efforts, you’ve been great with the students. I heard her saying the church is giving back to the community, my question is ‘What are you giving back?’ Please give back to others as well. Once you leave these premises don’t forget about what you learnt,” noted Middleton.
There were testimonies from students, and others thanking Southern Courier for previously publishing the sewing articles because they saw the article and came to register.
One student, who is the youngest in class, Prudence Ngoyi said she thank the church for the skills she has acquired.
Another, Dion Miller said she is new around and she is grateful to be part of computer students.
She also mentioned that she appreciated her teacher and the sponsors. Gift Lamola was the only male student in the sewing class.
