Sewing graduates gets a ceremonial send-off

The students of the Union of Jewish Women (UJW) sewing empowerment project graduated during a special ceremony at their offices in Houghton on 5 December.

Cindy Kree, an executive director at UJW, said the students reflected about how they laughed and cried together over the past four months.

According to Kree, the students spoke about their experience and their appreciation for all they had been through. “Mama, a student who was nicknamed by all the students, expressed her gratitude and feelings of accomplishment by finishing the course,” said Kree.

“She stated that these students, who were once strangers, from all over, came together with one goal, and have all become friends. The students modelled their outfits that they had made during the course as well as a range of other items.”

Kree said all participating students received a certificate for their completion and all gave a grateful thanks to the Lions Club. She added that each student also received a Christmas cake and some non-perishable items to spoil them during this festive season.

“It was difficult to believe that four months prior to the course, these students did not even know how to use a sewing machine. Additionally, they were all taught the art of beading, and displayed their beaded items.”

The Union of Jewish Women are very grateful to their donors and volunteers in assisting them to make this project the success it is, she added.

According to the union, the aim of the sewing school is to empower unemployed people and equip them with the required skills to ultimately be able to support themselves. The students who have graduated now produce bags, aprons tablecloths and other items which can be ordered through the UJW.

Details: Union of Jewish Women 011 648 1053; email info@ujw.co.za

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