Cape Town - Their ambition is to make a difference in the lives of pupils and unemployed youth through their programmes.
Members of Helping on Purpose to Empower (Hope) are empowering pupils at Sarepta Secondary School in Kuils River with sewing skills.
Pupils are taught how to use a needle, do hand stitching, replacing the stitching on a hem, sewing a button onto a shirt and how to operate a sewing machine. They also receive motivational talks.
They will be given six to eight lessons to make a pillowcase, a hair band and a garment.
Pupils started their first training session on August 6 and Yusrah Brenner, a Grade 11 pupil, said sewing is an important activity.
“I learnt how to stitch pants, sew a button and work with different types of needles,” she said.
Her schoolmate, Chanel Unger, said sewing is about having patience and offering your time.
“I enjoy sewing because it takes my mind off many things, and it brings people together. Sewing is important because you never know where it can bring you in life,” she said.
The programme will teach them to take ownership of their own lives and future.
Principal Yolanda Basson said the project is important to the pupils and the school community.
“It is about empowering the pupils, skills development, and possible job creation. But it is also about hope and changing the mindset of our pupils,” she said
Co-founder of Helping on Purpose to Empower Wilhelmina Rhode, said it is important for pupils to use their time wisely and not do things that can affect their future negatively.
“They should utilise their time productively and make a positive impact in the community,” she said.
Established in 2006, the NPO strives to assist the vulnerable, homeless and destitute.
They also distribute food parcels and hygienic care packs to over 2000 people and supply bulk foods to more than 18 organisations such as churches and early childhood development centres.
More recently, they started with the sewing project.