Frida crafts project a beautiful affair, empowers Joburg women with skills
Since the training the ladies have been coming up with designers.
Frida Hartley, a shelter for destitute women and children, does not only support women in times of need but also empowers them with skills to rebuild their lives.
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“We aim to empower our women with skills that will help them to earn a living. We want them to be able to sustain themselves long after they have left the shelter,” said Cheryl Hlabane, the shelter manager.
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The women at the shelter have been learning new skills.
Monique Morrison, a designer, taught the women how to make handbags, shoes, jewellery, picnic blankets and fashionable cushions.
“We are always looking for new skills that our women can learn and so when I saw Monique’s work and how she conducts workshops on crafts, I saw that she was in line with what the shelter is about and invited her to come train the women for two days at the shelter,” she said.
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Hlabane said the project would not be possible without their sponsors and she is grateful for them for paying for this training because the women have shown interest and will benefit from it.
“Since the training, the women have been coming up with their own designs.
We want them to enjoy what they are doing while making a living,” said Hlabane.
She invites everyone who has shoes, handbags or even photo frames that are lying around not being used and need revamping, to drop them off at the shelter.
“The women will bring new life to your old boring shoes and other items.
“The women revamp old takkies with a vibrant African print and also make picnic blankets and cushions.
“If residents are looking for something different for corporate gifting ideas we are also the people to provide you with that,” said Hlabane.
The women are also asking people and companies who are able to sponsor material, to do so as they are currently buying the material which is costly to the project.
“If people can donate material, then the women can start making a profit to ensure that the business grows,” said Hlabane.
Those interested in the project and would like to donate or purchase, can visit or call the home.
“We would like to thank T-shirt for Change and 1million Avon Fund for funding the crafts training.
It will make a difference in the women’s lives because now they have a skill that they can use to make money,” said Hlabane.
The shelter is situated in Yeoville and takes in homeless women and their children who have endured neglect, abuse, trauma, and homelessness.
The shelter receives no financial aid from the government and solely depends on sponsors and fund-raising to keep the centre running.
The shelter has been in existence since 1923.
The women are allowed to stay for three to six months but if they are not back on their feet, they can stay longer depending on the situation.
The shelter’s services include free job-skills training, accommodation, three meals a day, monthly toiletries, counselling, life skills training, entrepreneurial skills training and referrals to workplace employment and further psycho-social support.
Contact Hlabana on 011 648 6005 or email to Cheryl@fridahartley.org for more information.
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