Project brings baking, cooking skills to locals
The aim is to offer skills to people, to equip them to open their own businesses.
IT was a joyous occasion for a number of graduates who received certificates for baking and cooking at the Bhekulwandle Community Upliftment Project on Tuesday, 11 August.
The project is based at the Bhekulwandle Primary School, a few kilometres from Toti and came to fruition after principal, ET Hlela applied for funding from Lotto for community upliftment in the area.
“Once funding was secured, we renovated a hall at the school. It had no roof, cement flooring, no electricity, plumbing or water. We started renovations in March and it took three months to complete,” said project co-ordinator, Msizi Cwiliwe.
On Tuesday, the sewing group were proudly hanging curtains on the windows.
The project offers classes in baking, sewing, cooking and gardening. “We accept about 18 people per class which is held over two months, four days a week for five hours a day,” said Msizi.
Relevant instructors have been tasked with teaching the various classes.
“Everything has been going well. The baking and cooking classes are the first to graduate. The sewing group will graduate in November. Our focus is to provide the necessary skills to residents from the surrounding community, to eventually give them the confidence to start their own home businesses.”
There has been good response to the classes, except gardening. “We want people to take up gardening, the garden is based close to the school.”
Funding has been secured until May 2016, after which the project intends to re-apply for more funding.
If anyone wants to join in one of the classes, contact Msizi on 079-347-3088.
