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Excitement, eagerness and pride were clearly written on the faces of the group of Learn to Earn graduates who gathered at the community hall in Zwelihle on Friday for their graduation ceremony. The 19 students who received certificates after having successfully completed courses in home management and sewing, danced and sang on stage, wearing their graduation hats with pride.

For these women the skills they have acquired at Learn to Earn have empowered them not only in the sense that they can now earn a living but also because they have gained self-confidence.

“It was not easy for me to learn sewing skills and at times I wanted to give up but today I can make a dress and I have a small business of my own,” says Thozama Tukutezi, one of the sewing graduates. “I want to say to the people that they must join Learn to Earn because it is here to help us.”

In her address, Monica van Heerden said that the students have not only gained new skills but also learned how to interact and how to handle basic economics and that they have achieved self knowledge and grew spiritually.

She urged them to set goals for themselves, not only to find a job in the immediate term but also to look further down the road and start saving some money.

“In the long term, this course should be seen as a stepping stone to a better future. There are many opportunities to improve yourself - the secret is to act and never to give up.”

Elizabeth Mjoda is from the Eastern Cape. She came to Zwelihle three years ago and since then has just been sitting at home.

“I decided to do the home management course because I wanted to do something with my life. Actually the course is so much more than just about cleaning a house. I learned that in the eyes of God I will always have value even if I feel useless,” she said. “I learnt to do laundry and how to cook. Now I have a job and I can do something for myself.”

Vuyelwa Soyama agreed with her fellow graduate.

“I want to challenge those who sit at home doing nothing to join Learn to Earn and start making something of themselves,” she said.

Rina Maree from Learn to Earn said that every student who received a certificate worked very hard and earned their success. René Gillion who is deaf-and-dumb was named top student of the sewing class due to her diligence and sheer will to overcome her disabilities. A second prize was given to Selina Hawule who was the student who made the best progress during the course.

The top student in the home management class was Meme Dube, the youngest student who participated in the course. Maree said that Dube excelled in everything she did - theory, practical work and attitude and she shows tremendous potential.

About 40% of all sewing students begin their own businesses. Learn to Earn support them by assisting to buy sewing machines. Over the past three years 12 students have been placed at interior decorating shops in Hermanus and all of them are still economically active. Learn to Earn also help to place home management students with prospective employers. The success rate in this regard is 90%. Enrollment fees for the sewing course is R200 (material included) and R150 for the home management course.

The next sewing course starts on 25 August and the home management course starts on 15 September.

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