Sixty-two local students are currently enrolled in a fashion design workshop at the Khutsong Youth Centre. The National Workplace workshop, presented by Arenda College in Randfontein, commenced on 20 February and runs from Mondays to Fridays. According to the facilitator, Sarah Bens, all the students come from Khutsong and have been registered on the Tshepo Themba Development Centre database. Among the skills the students are taught are how to establish their own businesses, how to handle the various fabrics like denim, cotton, polyester, spandex and lace, for example, and how to use them appropriately. They are taught how to operate a sewing machine and the basic techniques of design. The students are also introduced to the different opportunities in the fashion industry. The workshop involves three weeks of theory and four weeks of practical training. ‘The aim of the initiative is to empower the community and making clothes is the easiest way to start a business” said Sarah. The students who were selected are delighted to be part of the workshop and many are motivated to venture into the business of fashion design. According to Sarah, the workshops will take place throughout Merafong, the next being in the Wedela Township. Community members who are interested in the workshop can register at the Sibanye Gold Mine, Kook 3. For more information, contact Sarah (the facilitator) at 081 584 8936.