Imizamo Yethu: An upliftment Initiative
Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
Imizamo Yethu (our efforts) was established in 1992 and is situated at Zanokhanyo which is a home management training center based in Harare, Khayelitsha.
Nolwandla Lutshethu and Nobandla Manqola initiated and run this programme designed to train and empower rural women. The unemployed and unskilled are taught sewing and clothing design. Classes run in the mornings, thereafter machines are put to use by passed students who use the facilities for income generation. This project provides an ever-growing number of women with the tools to find employment, feed their children and support their families. It also creates an environment of support while disseminating information on HIV/AIDS, child abuse, health and nutrition.
The above scanned in picture is an example of a child's dress, made from donated off cuts, proudly exhibited at the annual 'fashion show'. This event is a wonderful end of year opportunity for the ladies to encourage each other and see the progress and skills they have acquired throughout the year.
The letter below, received in March 2008, will help you to understand how valuable contributions have been in the past. These two women, who earn almost nothing, rely on your donations to keep this initiative going. I can't tell you how many women have been trained and enabled through this initiative. This really is a remarkable project run by some very remarkable Xhosa women.
"Dear Quilt & Margie
We have a lovely Easter. We hope had a same. We had recieved the material thank you very much. This is keeping the project going we do not have Funder. Through this material we make dress, skirt, pens, apron, tracksuit and shirt. This material keep project survive.
We like to recieve big material. We wish if you can saport use Finance we were three ladies working at this Project two they drop because of money.
Thank you again for your sapport.
You
Faithfull
Nobandla
GHQG (Good Hope Quilters Guild) Newsletter - May 2007
Your generous support of Imizamo Yethu over the years has been much appreciated and valued. Nolwandla Leitshethu the remarkable leader of the project battles on with daily training of women in need. Her afternoons are filled with the sound of sewing machines as yet another group of women make use of the machines till sundown. Every reel of cotton helps any contribution you would like to make is always appreciated and put to good use. Nolwandla and Margie thank you for your support.
Can you collect donations of fabric, thread and other sewing aids for Imizamo Yethu? The women will gratefully welcome anything you choose to contribute.
Donations for Imizamo Yethu: Margie Garratt margie@inno.co.za Margie undertakes to deliver all donations for you.
Contact:
Imizamo Yethu
Nolwandla Lutshethu: +27 (0)21 363 1190
