For the past 11 years – Thandie has been writing her story with Masicorp and The Sewing Café. Our education non-profit organisation partners with Evangeline for a life skills course that teaches men and women from Masiphumelele a trio of life skills – empowering individuals and helping them become the master of their own destinies. By learning to sew people can unlock their entrepreneurial potential and carry these skills into the community of Masiphumelele.

Thandie joined The Evangeline Life Skills Course in 2011. This free six-month life skills course funded by Masicorp and Evangeline has helped many Masi community members take the step towards a brighter future. Although Thandie was unfortunately unable to complete the course at the time, Athene from The Sewing Cafe noticed that Thandie had an aptitude for sewing and thought she had what it took to perform on industrial machines. Although Thandie only had domestic sewing machine experience, under the guidance of Athene, Thandie quickly learnt industrial sewing techniques and now has a full-time job at The Sewing café, sewing various types of fashionable garments.

This is just one instance where these skills development programmes have played a small role in propelling someone forward and shaping their future. Thanks to the incredible partnership between Masicorp, Evangeline and The Sewing Café, 100 individuals like Thandie will benefit from learning valuable sewing skills in 2022. Despite challenging personal circumstances, Thandie had the confidence with a needle and thread to take her skills to the next level when she needed to step up for her daughter, Mikulu.

Our non-profit education organisation runs ECD (early childhood development) programmes, and we currently run three ECD facilities in Masiphumelele. Thandie’s daughter, Mikulu, attends Chasmay Educare, which is located at the Chasmay Road campus – the same premises The Sewing Café is located on. Thandie is delighted now because her daughter is just a few steps away from her during the day and she says this gives her complete peace of mind.

“I’m stress-free now, before I had to pack lunch, nappies and juice and other items but Masicorp has helped me to become stress-free. They provide the children with two hot, nourishing meals daily as well as fruit snacks so all I have to do is pack some water. It’s truly a weight off my shoulders knowing my child is in good hands all day and sometimes after school, Mikulu even visits me.”

– Thandie (Sewing Café Employee)

Thandie is excited about the future and so are we. As an education non-profit organisation, we want to see people grow and uplift themselves by providing educational programmes and life skills courses to the community of Masiphumelele. Our aim is to end poverty through our education programmes and grant access to opportunities for people like Thandie.

Help others like Thandie care for their family by supporting Masicorp – an education non-profit organisation. Sign up for an automatic monthly recurring donation here or give a once-off gift here and help people from Masiphumelele conquer poverty.