Entrepreneurial skills development project from Paballelo Township Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa.

This project was started in 2002 to develop and sustain the natural talent of the previously disadvantaged people in this area. These people are mainly unemployed women and are trained in basic needlework while their natural artistic talent are fully developed. The five women is Charmaine May, Monique Matsila, Lidia Ramogema, Patience Sikhosana and Gertruida Montshoa.

Due to their impoverished circumstances they mainly use donated waste textiles for these unique creations. In this way an income is created as due to a lack of funding no salaries are paid. Although the project is still in its infancy, some community involvement is experienced and with the loan of a few sewing machines the project is going ahead.

With growing confidence, they create beautiful works of art, inspired by their colourful surroundings, lush Orange River vegetation, the arid Kalahari Desert and the numerous birds, beetles and butterflies.

For further information contact: 082 567 6494

Some samples of their patchwork products: