Fourways community members are urged to support a fundraising fashion show aimed at giving children in Diepsloot greater access to digital education.

The Threads of Impact: My Ascent fundraiser fashion show, taking place at Steyn City on October 3, aims to raise funds towards establishing a digital library at the Diepsloot Community Centre, while helping more young people access the My Ascent youth programme.

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My Ascent founder Fazlin Swanepoel said the initiative was about more than a day of fashion, with every ticket contributing towards creating opportunities for children and young people.

“We want to put as many kids through this youth programme as we possibly can,” she said. “We want to put at least 500 kids through our programme each year and build more digital libraries in underserved communities.”

The library will feature digital devices such as iPads loaded with educational material covering areas including languages, mathematics and other foundational skills. Community workers and teachers will also receive training to help children use the technology.

Swanepoel said the project was part of a broader effort to create opportunities that could have an impact beyond individual children. “We want kids to know that where they come from doesn’t necessarily mean that is where they end up in life,” she said.

My Ascent is working with non-profit organisation Summits for the Purpose on the digital library initiative. Swanepoel said similar libraries had been developed in underserved communities over the past decade, including a recently completed library in Westbury.

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Ward 96 councillor Rufus Maswazi welcomed the initiative and said access to technology could make a difference to children living in communities where electricity, internet and network access are limited.

“We are very happy with this initiative because it is going to assist our kids, most of whom stay in the informal settlement with no proper electricity, network or internet,” he said.

Ward 95 councillor Julius Maake also urged residents to support the fundraiser, highlighting that the proceeds would benefit the Diepsloot community. “Whatever is going to be made in that particular event is coming to Diepsloot,” he said. “People of Diepsloot will be benefiting from this event. Go there in numbers, buy tickets, help the community of Diepsloot.”

The fashion show will bring together South African and international designers, with Steyn City residents, families and children participating as models, and will include runway fashion, shopping, food, music and a children’s zone provided by Wild Crafted.

Swanepoel urged Fourways residents to support the event by purchasing tickets and helping turn the afternoon into a lasting investment in children from Diepsloot.

“Every single one of your contributions is going to an amazing cause,” she said.

Tickets are available through Quicket at www.quicket.co.za/events/395189-the-my-ascent-steyn-city-fashion-show/#/.

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