The Evangeline skill development programme strutted its brilliance again on Saturday the 11^th of June 2022. This is a programme very close to our hearts and one of the most special events on Masicorp’s calendar. The gleaming confidence and the oozing joy from the people who endure a rigorous six-month schedule to learn a trio of skills that can help them on their way to becoming a local entrepreneur, or even find gainful employment in the sewing industry, makes this skill development programme a most worthwhile investment.

The Evangeline course is a skill development programme in partnership with Masicorp that uplifts women from the local community of Masiphumelele and gives them a crucial working knowledge of computers, English language skills and beginner sewing techniques. The women who graduate from the Evangeline life skills course can create the perfect outfit for themselves because they learn beginner sewing skills to create beautiful authentic, hand-made garments. There is a long waiting list to secure a seat and over the many years, Masicorp has been raising the funds for 48 graduates to walk away each year, empowered with workplace-ready skills.

The graduates from Evangeline are rewarded with a brand-new sewing machine and certificates of completion. The real gift of the programme is not the sewing machine nor the certificate – it is the gift of confidence and seeing all these people flourish as they become independent and look towards a brighter future.

Meet one of the graduates: Louise Paulus – a single mother of four children. She is 46 years old and graduated with excellence, and she says her journey has just begun. Having worked in the restaurant industry pre-Covid-19, Louise started baking to make ends meet and provide for her children when the restaurant she was working in closed its doors.

Now, she says she has invigorated hope for the future because she has learnt so many new skills. Louise is planning to make business cards for her baked goods and turn her love of baking into a well-established business by sewing aprons and even tracksuits. This is the type of opportunity education provides, it helps people look at the world through a new window and forge a new path, which can lead people out of poverty and towards a sustainable livelihood.

A skill development programme like Evangeline’s is a testament to the work we do. Our work is for the people of Masiphumelele, and we continue to look for ways to help people living here progress out of poverty towards a sustainable livelihood.

If you are passionate about your community and you want to help women like Louise realize their true potential, donate to our work.

To find out more visit our website or contact us to see how you can play a part in shaping someone’s future.