In the township of Edendale, South Africa, many women face abandonment, unsafe work, and limited access to education. In partnership with the Ngezandla Zethu Centre – meaning “with our hands” – African Enterprise South Africa offers a dignified way forward. This community-led initiative equips women with sewing, dress-making and design skills, empowering them to become employable in the fashion industry and to equip them to start small businesses, earn a sustainable income, and ultimately, break the cycle of poverty.
The women learn theory on sewing and fashion design, physical application through the sewing of basic garments, like aprons and pinafore dresses, to even designer fashion wear. They are also taught basic business skills and computer literacy. Running for seven years, the project has seen dozens of women graduate and form peer groups. Many have gone on to work in the fashion industry, launch micro-businesses, and teach the course to others.
Your support can:
- Train 40 people in sewing and fashion design
- Provide start-up kits for new graduates
- Support ongoing mentoring to help launch income-generating businesses
Her story:
After graduating from the program in 2023, Simangele Nzimande started a tailoring business with support and start-up equipment from AE South Africa. Nowadays, she wears her handmade clothes with pride and shares her skills with 14 students from her community.
Simangele Nzimande
Simangele’s 2024 students
As we approach the end of the financial year, will you prayerfully consider a tax-deductible gift to help women across Africa build lives marked by dignity, strength and hope?