Busy hands keep teens out of trouble

One of the finalists from last year’s Ilembe Chamber Entrepreneur competition, Nomvula da Silva, who startled the judges with her impressive sewing skills and creativity in bead work has since established a sewing group to keep teenagers from the Shaka’s Head community out of trouble.

With help from Rotary Ballito and various sponsors, a colorful container which holds Da Silva’s fabulous creations has been placed outside the Kwamama Care Centre where a group of approximately 16 young girls meet every weekend and during the school holidays to learn how to make their own jewelry and sew their own clothing items.

“The sewing group started off more than a year ago with six other ladies. They have all left and now it is just me who teaches the children. I know that teenagers can often get up into trouble, especially when they are left with nothing to do. Many teenage girls fall pregnant and it is becoming a problem. I feel that everyone should know how to sew. If you do not have money to buy new clothes or jewelry then you should be able to make them yourself.”

Da Silva has since taught more than 20 girls how to sew. Two of the girls, Sinenhlanhla Majola and Tanya Thwala recently landed themselves a contract with a salon where they will be providing custom made hand bags.

“We are really excited to earning an income. Although this is our first contract, we hope to get more,” said Thwala.

Da Silva relies on donations of fabric to keep the sewing group going. To donate contact Gail Stefano at 082 334 3281.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.