The Women’s Circle sewing course. Picture: Supplied
Cape Town - With the use of craft and beauty, women are being uplifted skilfully through free training courses by The Women’s Circle.
Amina Rajap, one of the founding members from the Athlone district, said The Women’s Circle was established in 2006.
“Our organisation has started free non-formal training in beauty, hairdressing, graphics and sewing.This initiative began two years ago and the training goes over 12 weeks. At the end of each training we have a little celebration where we hand out a certificate of attendance to the different participants who have completed the course. As the 12 weeks have come to an end we are having the celebration on September 1 at the Athlone Minor Hall.
“We would also like to give each participant a small gift to help them better themselves in the field they want to be in. There are 80 participants, and any contribution towards our celebration will be much appreciated,” said Rajap.
Participant Lauren Benjamin, who is attending the hairdressing course, said: “Since I have joined so much in my life has changed. I have learned so much and have gained so much confidence that I have started my own little business in the Bridgetown Athlone area.
“They have also opened more doors for me and many others who want to start a business. They organised a business course. I’m truly grateful – not only am I a wife and mother of three kids, but now I am an entrepreneur,” she said.
Faseega Williams, from Bonteheuwel, is one of many participants: “I had the privilege of attending a parenting skills course which the Woman’s Circle hosted with the Parenting Skills Centre. It was like finding a new home. The staff here are friendly and supportive and there are opportunities galore. I completed the beauty therapist course and then started freelancing in the trade.”
“The Woman’s Circle has also opened so many other doors for their participants such as the life choices courses and the business course with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, with which former participants like myself and the current participants are busy.
“Women of all ages and backgrounds come together here at the centre – we are like a huge family. The co-ordinator especially gives that special motherly touch as she gets to know each individual, always taking note of the smallest detail and ready with some kind of advice.
“I personally introduce all my acquaintances to the centre as I believe I can only keep what I have by giving it away and thus continue to make the circle bigger.”
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