Stitch Ahead Sewing program gives youth marketable skills

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, South Africa, has graduated 16 students in its accredited tailor’s program. The Stitch Ahead Sewing program aims to provide youth with marketable skills for sustainable employment in the textile and manufacturing sectors.

The program teaches students hand-sewing and machine-sewing techniques. The course starts with two weeks of life skills training followed by the three-month sewing course that enables participants to sew basic garments for their use or to generate income through a home-based business. Students proudly presented their completed sewing projects at the graduation.

A Salesian said, “The students graduated after completing four months of intensive training, practical assessments and creative projects. The exhibition is not just a point of arrival, but rather a new beginning for the youth. Many any of the new graduates are already exploring job opportunities or considering starting their own micro-enterprises in the textile and clothing sector.”

Since 1910, Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been helping youth who are homeless, unemployed or poor in Cape Town, the second most populous city and legislative capital of South Africa. Salesians provide shelter, education and workforce development services, meeting the basic needs of the youth they serve while helping them break the cycle of poverty.

Poverty is extensive in South Africa with more than half the population and more than 63% of children living below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. A significant percentage of the population struggles to survive on less than $1 a day. The country is plagued by high crime rates and violence against women and girls, and it has been highly affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – South Africa – Celebration of an important milestone: the first class of SETA-qualified tailors

Salesian Institute Youth Projects

Salesian Institute Youth Projects Facebook

Salesian Missions – South Africa

UNICEF – South Africa