“Empowering women is key to building a future we want.”

-Amartya Sen

Masicorp believes that education and life skills training programmes play a vital role in helping women from Masiphumelele succeed. Our statistics speak for themselves and reveal a story from a community where women are working hard to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.

70% of Our ICDL Graduates are Female

The ICDL (International Computer Driver’s License) course offered by Masicorp is an internationally accredited computer training course that helps residents from Masiphumelele navigate the complexities of computer technology to earn workplace-ready skills and the confidence to find a job.

70% of all graduates are female and despite the challenges that many residents from Masiphumelele face they are determined to complete the course and earn their certification. Empowering women with computer skills is the key to helping females reach new heights, especially in the digital age where computers are the backbone of today’s modern economy.

Our ECD Staff are all Female

Another way Masicorp is empowering women is through teacher training at our creches. Our ECD staff comprise solely of females and in this way, we are raising the status of women in Masi through education, awareness, literacy and training. Masicorp’s teacher training has seen six teachers qualify for their level four ECD qualification in 2021 and some of them are now on their way to becoming fully qualified teachers. These women have incredible stories to tell. Some started as domestic workers but through hard work and determination, they are teaching children and now have the kind of support and training that will help them advance.

The Evangeline Life Skills Course is Creating Opportunity

Empowering women is all about equal access to opportunity. The Evangeline Life Skills course gives women from Masiphumelele a solid foundation to become local entrepreneurs. A six-month course focusing on sewing, computer training and English language skills is the trio needed to help residents from Masiphumelele achieve their dreams.

To graduate, participants must sew and model their own authentic, handmade garments down the catwalk on graduation day. All the graduates receive a free sewing machine sponsored by Masicorp and this is the beginning of a journey for so many. It gives women from Masi the opportunity to create and add value to their community, with the possibility of even turning their love of sewing into a business and becoming an entrepreneur. The graduates also have the option to come back and learn advanced sewing techniques that could see them employed full-time by The Sewing Café or other prominent sewing houses.

Empowering women is at the heart of what we do. This women’s month, support an organisation that has 23 years of experience working in the community of Masiphumelele. Our education and life skills training programmes are making a real difference in the lives of so many. Give monthly and become a Friend of Masicorp here or make a once-off donation to our work here.