ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Poverty, HIV & Aids, female-headed households and inequality are a reality in our community.  With limited access to skills development, economic opportunities and personal growth, future prospects for the young women in Knysna are bleak.

Kofi Annan stated “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women”.

The iThemba Skills Centre seeks to empower young men and women in our community with courses that have been designed for the upliftment and economic development of the youth from vulnerable and previously disadvantaged communities.  Practical life skills, backed up by strong Christian values, are imparted on our students equipping them with the essential tools to enter the workplace or start their own business.

The program objectives are to:

All products made at the iThemba Skills Development Centre are sold as part of the income generating strategy.  Products are sold at retail outlets such as Knysna Tourism as part of their local Craft Collective range and at various festivals held annually in Knysna such as the Knysna Oyster Festival and the Leisure Isle Festival. Each student receives a portion of the funds whilst the rest of the funds are invested back into the program for materials and equipment.

During their course, students are encouraged to save towards buying their Singer sewing machine to kick-start their business.