Zikulise equips the jobless with vital skills
NOT only learning new technical skills, but learning entrepreneurial skills as well, is of paramount importance to those looking to forge a bright future for themselves and their families.
The Zikulise community upliftment project, in partnership with the National Arts Council, is offering a 38day capacity building and textile art and craft development skills training course for beneficiaries to generate an income.
Ten beneficiaries are learning traditional and contemporary bead weaving, hand embroidery, hand sewing, machine sewing and business management skills.
Once the course is complete, they will participate in an incubation phase.
‘I am so grateful for this opportunity,’ said beneficiary Thembi Dlamini.
‘I want to encourage the youth, women, disabled people and individuals who are unemployed and want to start their own business, to come to the Zikulise skills training centres in Empangeni and Richards Bay.
‘I am extremely grateful for the skills I am being taught. Now I am being equipped to take me into a brighter future.
‘If I use the income generating skills I’m learning and work hard, I’ll be able to put food on the table.
‘I’m also looking forward to learning even more and passing on my skills to others.’
Zikulise encourages the youth particularly to participate in skills training programmes to promote a culture of entrepreneurship.
‘The beneficiaries are enthusiastic and proud of their achievements,’ said Sue Bernon, hand sewing and embroidery trainer.
‘They are surprised at what they can produce by using hand sewing techniques. The shopping bags are easy to make and very saleable.’
Zikulise’s Executive Director, Julie Jonson, said the organisation is thrilled with the progress being made by these beneficiaries who are learning to generate their own income.
‘Our wish is to also see them passing on their skills and knowledge to others in their communities,’ she said.
‘Our grateful thanks to the National Arts Council for making this training possible.’