While they may not have the luxury of endless metres of assorted fabrics they make up for it with enthusiasm and ingenuity.
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.
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.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Moegamat Zain and Myra Rajap, it was started “with nothing and the need is actually fabric,” according to the former. “Most 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.”
Thread, scissors and other sewing apparatus will also be welcome, he added.
Passing skills
A former teacher at a school of skills, Moegamat wanted to give back to the community by sharing his knowledge, especially with unemployed women. “Many women are being put down by men because they are not working,” he pointed out, adding that making and selling items would offer the women an opportunity to earn a wage.
The programme ends next month and is set to resume in January.
The programme includes the basics of threading and using the machines, cutting and creating the garments.
It has no financial backing and is funded out of Rajaps’ pocket. The participants are charged only R25 for the three months, which is used for their end-of-course party.
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.
“I 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.”
Thursday classes were also hosted for reformed addicts, ones going through rehabilitation.
Dominique Murtz who joined the Thursday class said: “I love sewing and I heard about Mr Rajap’s empowering of the youth of the rehab programme. I am clean now for almost a year.”
After many rehabilitated addicts left for other employment opportunities Rajap brought her into the main classes on Tuesdays.
“I would love everyone to have their own machines,” Murtz said. “If they do, they can make items and sell them and put bread on the table. It’s no use putting energy only into soup kitchens.
“We 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.”
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.
