The background to Joy Stitches
The Joy to the Nations church has founded a Not-for-Profit Company (NPC) known as the Foundation of Joy. One of their initiatives is the Jesu Club, a project dedicated to job placement and skill enhancement for the unemployed. Jesu Club, in turn, has started a program called Joy Stitches, intended for teaching crafts. Established in August 2023, Joy Stitches imparts valuable skills such as sewing, crocheting, beading, and knitting to adults and youth from Walmer Township, equipping them with the means to pursue self-employment.
Zolani Booi and volunteers from the church-run Joy Stitches program are making a significant impact. Each volunteer brings a wealth of experience to share with their eager learners. The program began humbly and has been growing each year. When it was noted that the enthusiasm among adults seemed to wane this year, eager teenagers stepped in to learn practical skills that could help them earn an income after finishing high school.
The Johnson's School of Honour encouraged their pupils to attend classes each Monday, an arrangement that benefited both the young people and the facilitators, who worked hard to prepare the classes.
Slideshow: The proud Johnson School of Honour pupils with their certificates
"Joy Stitches has been a blessing for the pupils." - Lauren Johnson (Director of Johnson School of Honour)
The vision for Joy Stitches is to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are living with different abilities by equipping them with valuable practical skills and inspiring hope for transforming those skills into future income opportunities. Even though Joy Stitches started from nothing and has had to overcome substantial challenges, they are growing quickly. They are already putting plans in place for next year to serve even more potential young entrepreneurs who otherwise may not get such opportunities.
Joy Stitches in action
JOY STITCHES Graduation 2024
On 25 November 2024, Joy Stiches held their graduation ceremony to mark the completion of a successful year. The children received certificates of achievement and gifts for their hard work during the year. Each one learnt a skill they did not have when they started. The joy of acquiring practical skills that can be expanded upon is clear in the words of one of the learners:
"I loved attending the Joy Stitches classes each week. When I started, I did beading, and it was great, but I really loved the crochet classes. My best memory about Joy Stitches is the way the teachers were kind when they had to show me everything because I never crocheted before. Now, I can crochet a granny square to make a blanket, and I made a purse for myself. One day, I want to learn to crochet a jersey and also learn knitting." - Kwakhanya (skill: beading and crochet)
Kwakhanya
Beading
At the beginning of the year, Joy to the Nations received a generous donation of beads, which they promptly used to teach beading skills through the Joy Stitches project. Experienced volunteer Miriam guided five trainees in creating quality beaded items suitable for public sale. Learners had the chance to show off and sell their creations during a Market Day organised by Joy Stitches, giving them a taste of entrepreneurship.
Slideshow showing some of the many beading creations
Enthusiastic beaders in action
Crocheting
Crocheting turned out to be the most popular skill with the students. Even though when they started, both the facilitator and the learners were not sure it would work out. This was partly because most of the students were boys, which was unusual since crocheting is often seen as a craft for girls. As time went on, and thanks to Tracey's patience and dedication, the students gained skills and impressed everyone with how quickly their skill levels improved. According to the program's objectives, they were only expected to learn how to make a granny square for blanket construction, but some overachievers went on to create beanies and scarves during the course. Well done!
The crocheting students hard at work
Sewing
Sewing is one of the specialised crafts taught at Joy Stitches. It requires not only creativity but also technical knowledge to master. The craft is viewed as a pathway to learning an independent skill that can lead to viable business or trade training. Upon completing the course, each student will be able to take measurements, create their own patterns, cut materials, and gains essential technical skills for setting up and using a sewing machine.
Denise, the expert and passionate facilitator, ensures that students can apply what they learn in her class, whether to secure jobs as seamstresses or to offer their services to the community. Graduates receive a certificate to acknowledge their skill level.
The sewing group also benefits from the guidance provided by a professional designer, Mr Christopher Tom, who volunteers his time to teach students how to start and run a clothing business. Learning from a professional allows students to understand the finer points of running a business, including acquiring clients, pricing, budgeting, and many other important details that can help them launch their own enterprises.
Some of Christopher Tom;s designs
Slideshow : Sewing
Knitting
Knitting was also taught at Joy Stitches this year. Under the careful guidance of Ruby, a mom and daughter duo were shown how taking wool and some knitting needles can create warm garments that can be worn or sold.
Cathrina Baatjies and her daughter Cynthia
"I was able to complete a scarf and granny squares for a blanket. Next year I want to try beading. The facilitators went out of their way to assist us and created a homely environment for us to learn these new skills " Both mother and daughter enjoyed the Joy Stitches Market Day. - Cathrina (skill: Knitting)
Future of Joy Stitches
Joy Stitches stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth of Walmer Township, providing not just practical skills but also fostering a sense of community and purpose among its participants.
The successful graduation ceremony marked the achievements of dedicated learners who have transformed their lives through creativity and perseverance. With the unwavering support of volunteers, local partnerships, and a commitment to continuous growth, Joy Stitches is paving the way for a brighter future.
As they look ahead to expanding their programs, they remain focused on their mission to uplift young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, inspiring them to turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable income opportunities. The journey of Joy Stitches is a testament to the power of collaboration and community, proving that with the right support, dreams of self-employment and independence can become a reality.
Will you consider supporting Joy Stitches?
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