Ilene is one of the trainees supported by Khanya at The Grahamstown Project 's Sewing Skills Studio. We recently heard the fantastic news that following the successful completion of her training, Ilene has obtained a post as a Sewing Assistant at Hilary Mohr Designs in Grahamstown/Makhanda, South Africa. Many congratulations, Ilene! Thank you for the photo @hilarymohrdesigns. Ilene’s story demonstrates how donations can make a real difference to a disadvantaged individual’s life.
Sigquibo
Sigquibocomes from a very difficult home situation. He was at Amasango Career School in Grahamstown/Makhanda, South Africa, for ten years and managed to pass his grade 7 exams at the age of 20. He chose not to go to high school because he felt he was too old and he wanted to learn a trade or a skill. Sigqui started to learn jewellery making, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and that was no longer viable, we at Khanya stepped in to sponsor him as an apprentice at African Musical Instruments (AMI).
Sigqui is doing “exceptionally well” at AMI, and is broadening his trade skills by learning how to make a range of traditional musical instruments, including the kalimba, as he is demonstrating in the video (please turn up the sound as there is background noise!). He is now a permanent staff member. Thank you to all at AMI and many congratulations Siquibo.