While they may not have the luxury of endless metres of assorted fabrics they make up for it with enthusiasm and ingenuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the past three months a group of women have been meeting at Tafelsig Library on Tuesdays to learn the basics of sewing in a bid to create self-employment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With only three domestic sewing machines and scrap fabrics, the women have been able to create wearable garments and decorative items, including a sling bag, dress, tracksuit, apron, pillow, bedding and peg bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded by husband-and-wife team Moegamat Zain and Myra Rajap, it was started \u201cwith nothing and the need is actually fabric,\u201d according to the former. \u201cMost of the things are made from pieces of fabric put together and it takes a lot of time. So having nothing, it would seem, is the only way to get people started. Another need is machines and an overlocker, because the garment is raw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thread, scissors and other sewing apparatus will also be welcome, he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A former teacher at a school of skills, Moegamat wanted to give back to the community by sharing his knowledge, especially with unemployed women. \u201cMany women are being put down by men because they are not working,\u201d he pointed out, adding that making and selling items would offer the women an opportunity to earn a wage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme ends next month and is set to resume in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme includes the basics of threading and using the machines, cutting and creating the garments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has no financial backing and is funded out of Rajaps\u2019 pocket. The participants are charged only R25 for the three months, which is used for their end-of-course party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cecilia Otto, one of the participants, joined the class a bit later, but thanks to the dedication of the Rajaps managed to catch up and thrive on the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was a very insecure person, but with them I felt at home. I come here from Portlands every morning. It is exciting and I feel so good about the items I have been able to make. We came so far that we made several items in a short while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday classes were also hosted for reformed addicts, ones going through rehabilitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dominique Murtz who joined the Thursday class said: \u201cI love sewing and I heard about Mr Rajap\u2019s empowering of the youth of the rehab programme. I am clean now for almost a year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After many rehabilitated addicts left for other employment opportunities Rajap brought her into the main classes on Tuesdays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would love everyone to have their own machines,\u201d Murtz said. \u201cIf they do, they can make items and sell them and put bread on the table. It\u2019s no use putting energy only into soup kitchens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe must give the people the rod to be able to catch the fish. If you can do something like this with your hands then you can make your own money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone wishing to donate to this sewing programme or who wish to have more information must feel free to contact Moegamat Zain on 069 118 3934.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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