Jubilation and ululation filled the Chilli Trench Shellhole hall when about 60 women proudly walked up the stage to receive their hard-earned certificates during a Women in Ministry (WIMI) graduation ceremony.

The graduation, held in the Roodepoort CBD, was well attended by graduates, their families, friends, and WIMI founders Bishop Kyle Searcy and Apostle Kemi Searcy.

WIMI is an organisation dedicated to empowering women through skills development, faith-based mentorship, and entrepreneurship training. The programme aims to restore hope and equip women with practical skills that can help them generate an income and improve their livelihoods.

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Throughout the workshops, participants were trained in a variety of hands-on skills, including scented candle making, baking, tofu sweets production, homemade juice preparation, event décor, and balloon arch creation, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the founders, Teniola Talwo-Alabi congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

“We are proud to celebrate all our graduates who have shown determination and commitment throughout the workshops. The workshop focuses not only on ministry and the word of God, but also on restoring hope to women and reminding them that regardless of the challenges they face, they can rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves,” she said.

One of the graduates, Sibahle Mdluli, said she had been part of the programme for six months and found the training both inspiring and empowering.

She explained that she joined the workshops because of the high unemployment rate and her desire to learn a skill that could help her earn a living.

“I am proud to be part of this programme. It is a special moment because some of us have never had the opportunity to graduate before. With these skills, we can start our own catering businesses, create products, and even sell them online. We are now able to use our hands to build something for ourselves,” she said.

Mdluli added that the programme has given her confidence and prepared her to face future opportunities with determination and hope.