Skills training at Zikulise

UNIQUE decorative ceramic items of all shapes and sizes are being hand-crafted by trainees attending a foundation ceramic development and business skills course at the Zikulise Community Upliftment Project’s Entrepreneur Skills Training Centre based in Empangeni.

Thirteen individuals from all walks of life, including five from Nawe Zifunze Disabled Association, were privileged to be chosen to participate in the 15-day course which highlights the fundamentals of ceramics.

An additional five-day foundation business skills component is included, as the business skills will arm the trainees with the necessary skills for starting their own small enterprises.

Zelda Warren, a potter from Empangeni is facilitating the ceramic training and is providing the trainees with the basic skills, encouraging each individual to explore their own creativity.

‘They are making both functional and decorative products, cups, cell phone holders, bowls and sculptures,’ said Zelda.

‘In just two weeks the trainees are producing unique one-of-a kind ceramic items and they will be able to pass on the knowledge they are gaining here, to others.’

Through the generosity of the Department of Arts and Culture (National) funding grant and the partnership forged with the Zikulise Community Upliftment Project, these unemployed individuals now stand a much better chance of starting up their own small enterprises.

‘The training is benefiting me because I am learning how to make all types of pots and I know I will be able to sell my products to earn an income,’ said trainee Nqobile Msweli.

‘Zikulise’s aim is to promote entrepreneurship amongst the unemployed,’ said Julie Jonson, Executive Director.

‘We are thrilled with the progress that the beneficiaries are making that is steering them towards being able, in the future, to generate an income for themselves.’

‘Our wish is also to see them passing on their skills and knowledge to others in their communities.’