THE skills and sustainability programmes at Seed of Hope, a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Bhekulwandle, has received a much-needed boost after the NPO partnered with Different.org, a crowdfunding philanthropy programme.

The partnership resulted in the purchase of two new ovens and four domestic sewing machines, essential tools that will help equip aspiring bakers and seamstresses with the practical skills they need to build businesses, find employment and create brighter futures for their families.

Seed of Hope’s Heather Liebenberg said that the NPO’s students are already showing what is possible when opportunity meets determination.

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“One of our Bake for Profit students discovered a market for her baked goods through her child’s school. Another is funding her studies by selling her baked products to commuters at a local business park. By combining baking expertise with essential business skills, our students are opening doors to employment and launching their own entrepreneurial ventures. Our sewing graduates are also turning their creativity into income. Many have established their own businesses, making school and church uniforms, clothing, and a variety of other products. Others have secured employment in the textile industry, using their newly acquired skills to build more secure futures,” explained Liebenberg.

She said that unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, with national unemployment rates exceeding 30% and youth unemployment reaching as high as 60%.

“At Seed of Hope, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a sustainable livelihood. Through our Skills and Sustainability programmes, we equip unemployed community members with practical, income-generating skills that help them support themselves and their families,” she said.

The NPO hopes to be able to increase its weekly training capacity from 10 to 15 students. The fundraising goal for the project is R41 000 and it will provide two new ovens and four domestic sewing machines.

She extended a heartfelt “thank you” to Different.org for partnering with Seed of Hope to make this project possible. To find out more or to donate visit its website, https://theseedofhope.org.

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