Inspiring Feedback From Past Learners

“My name is Siphokazi Kemele, a former student from Al-Fidaa I applied for the dressmaker course in 2017 after a few months of waiting I was called-in for the classes to start in  February 2018, where I learnt to make an apron, bag then a dress, the course was 3months long under the leadership of Nomakhaya Toise a very patient and insightful young woman, when I finished mycourse I was later introduced to a Metro wind representative from Sofisa and Phillips to pitch for funding to start my business. After pitching and submitting my forms I then got feedback in a period of 4weeks,where my business HOUSE OF TSHIWO was awarded with R85,830 (eighty five thousand eight hundred and thirty rands) of funds which enabled me to purchase 2 Gemsy industrial machines, an industrial over locker, clothing rack, office equipment, a financial management course and a monthly allowance of fabric and threads.

My business has now been running succesfully at 10% profit and planning to grow. The Al-fidaa foundation has armed me with the skills and opportunity to change my situation and inspire my peers, I have not only been given the tools to materialise my dreams but I’ll also be helping 2 families put food on the table and play a part in growing and sustaining the economy.” Siphokazi Kemele

“I’m the mother of two girls,last year (2018) I’ve lost a child,my first born died she was killed and burnt by my ex-lover and after the death of her I’ve suffered from depression and had to go to the psychologist. After few sessions, my psychologist told me about Al-Fidaa Foundation Sewing Studio. I decided to take her advice and go there,I attended a twelve week course. After completing it, I started sewing small items at home like aprons, doeks and dresses to sell to my community. I want to thank you the Al-Fidaa Foundation. I want to thank you Alfidaa for welcoming me with warm hand.” Thembakazi Corline Jack

“Noxolo was an unemployed mother from Kwazakhele with little baking experience. Upon completing the Four Week Home Bakers Course in July 2018, we managed to secure a job for her at Shoprite in the baking division. She will now be relocating to Pietermaritzburg to work at a different branch. ”NOXOLO (22 years old)

“Nwabisa comes from the rural Transkei, where there is minimal access to basic ingredients. She showed great potential with baking and has excellent leadership qualities, so much so that she is now employed as an assistant manager of the biscuit department at the School of Baking, allowing us to supply biscuits to four Shoprite branches in Port Elizabeth.” NWABISA (31 years old)

“Nurjahaan was an unemployed woman from Malabar. Before attending the course she had basic baking knowledge passed on to her from her mother. Upon completing the course in September 2018 she received an equipment loan pack valued at R3 500 to help aid the start-up of her business. She has since been given the loan pack permanently due to the success of her business. She has successfully catered for our High Tea Event in November 2018, supplying 500 ganache tarts as well as supplying other events with 600 tea cakes.” NURJAHAAN (31 years old)

Debbie lost her job and was unemployed for over a year. She knocked on many doors and posted CV’s to find employment but always met with rejection. She was desperate to become financially independent. The financial situation was taking its toll on the family at home. Becoming despondent of ever finding employment, Debbie came to find out about the Sewing Studio. She had no prior sewing experience but always wanted to learn the skill. Upon seeing the Al-Fidaa Foundation’s Sewing Studio, she decided to apply and was accepted. Debbie showed much dedication and commitment with her studies. She practiced daily on her new skills learnt in the classroom.

“When I completed in June 2018 I started the journey of job hunting again. Only this time it was different as I was approaching companies in the clothing manufacturing industry. Shortly after completing, I was called in for an interview by a tracksuit manufacturing company who had a position of a qualified sewing machinist available. I was nervous as I entered the interview room. I was also asked to complete a practical interview process to test my skills and ability. The person conducting the interview was pleased with my skills. I was then offered employment with the opportunity to increase on my set of skills. I am forever grateful to the Al-Fidaa Foundation for the opportunity. I can now provide basic needs and necessities for my family.” Debbie Du Plessis

Janice was an unemployed woman from Salt Lake in the Northern Areas when joining our school.She was an ex foster child with a difficult upbringing, but had the passion and willingness to learn. Upon completing the Four Week Home Bakers Course in September 2017 Janice received a free bursary to study a certificate in food preparation and cooking through NYCTP, applied for by the School of Baking. Through her hard work and dedication she has now completed her diploma in food preparation and cooking and is currently in the process of completing her diploma in patisserie. She has interned for South Boulevard as well as Bocadillos during her studies and has a promising career as a chef ahead of her. JANICE (23 years old)

Ntombekhaya spent the pass few years hovering around a number of part time jobs. Part time work meant part time income for her. Some months she was unable to find work which left her with no income. Desperate to find stability in her life, Ntombekhaya enrolled into the Al-Fidaa Foundation Sewing Studio to participate.

“From a young age I always wanted to learn how to sew, I was fascinated by the beautiful dresses people would create. I studied hard during my 12 weeks at Al-Fidaa Foundation and spent extra time practicing the art of aprons and traditional African headwear. After graduating from the Sewing Studio, The Al-Fidaa Foundation allowed me to continue visiting the Sewing Studio to practice on the items I wished to sell. I was guided by the Instructors and taught business principles. I took some samples that I had made in class to local community organizations. Shortly after my marketing campaign I received an order of 30 aprons from one of the organizations I had visited. A person from King Williams Town had seen a sample of my traditional African headwear and place an order for 12 which had to be posted. A women’s group in East London had asked me to manufacture 10 traditional African theme uniforms for them. To this day I continue to market my services. I am able to earn an income every month thankfully. This self-employment freedom that I enjoy is because of the generosity shown to me by the Al-Fidaa Foundation.” Ntombekhaya Dimbaza

“I arrived at Al-Fidaa Foundation Skills Centre not knowing anything about sewing. I was taught to manufacture aprons, bags, garments and dresses. After completing my sewing course, I enrolled for an entrepreneurial course where I learnt business skills. I am now part of a 5 member women co-operative. This co-operative manufactures and sells aprons. ”Nontsikelelo Gwebeni

“I came across the Al-Fidaa Foundation  entrepreneurial course advert and applied immediately to be part of this program. The program course “New Venture Creation” is a very well structured course. It brings you up to speed with the latest trends and business modules. The course is very informative and gets you on par with the latest requirements in the business world. The assessments are challenging yet relatively simple if you follow the course material. I have completed all 6 modules and now I’m working on my business plan. After this I intend to start up my business. Shukran Al-Fidaa, this could be the start to major things Insha’Allah.” Christopher Morgan

“After failing Matric in 2005, I retook the exam in 2010, passing this time. I decided to further my studies through UNISA but unfortunately could not complete due to financial constraints. October 2016, a friend told me about the Seamstress Sewing program by the Al-Fidaa Foundation. I decided to apply and was delighted when I got accepted. My first day in class was so exciting. I appreciated the fact that I was taught theory together with practical training. After completing the program, I felt a sense of hope in my life. Al-Fidaa helped me realise that with my own hands, I can do something for myself, and I can be selfemployed, stand up and do something positive. Today I am achieving all these positive things because of Al-Fidaa. I am very grateful to the organisation. “Pumeza Macala

“I was desperately in search of employment until I heard about the sewing program at Al-Fidaa Foundation. Being in a class environment again was not easy at first and took a while to adjust. The friendly, humble and at times strict Instructor assisted me a lot throughout the course. Prior to attending the course, I had never touched a sewing machine before. I learnt everything about sewing from Al-Fidaa. After completing the course, I took the newly found skill and put it to good use. I opened up my very own small business providing services such as; alterations, sewing girl’s skirts, sewing ladies dresses and designing outfits. I am really proud of myself thanks to Al-Fidaa; my life has changed for the better. ”Buyiswa Faku

“My first week of training at Al-Fidaa Foundation was difficult as I was not use to a classroom environment. I regretted why I joined. My Instructor offered lots of encouraging and motivational words which granted comfort to my studying. I put a lot of effort into my studying by not taking breaks and asking the instructor to assist me with extra lessons. The instructor was very patient and guided me along the way. My efforts paid off when I manufactured my first garment which my Instructor was proud of. I boasted to everyone in the community of my achievements. Today I sew for my community, family and friends. Al-Fidaa made something of me out of nothing, now I even put food on the table for my family. ”Zukiswa Msauli

“I will always be forever grateful for the skills and the knowledge that I have acquired and accumulated from the Al Fidaa Foundation. I came into the foundation wanting to learn sewing; little did I know that I would leave with a whole lot more. After completion I found employment as an office administrator thanks to the computer skills that I gained”. Yoliswa Gwavu

“I always had a dream that I will be a fashion designer but I could not apply to any institution as I did not meet the requirements”. “With all the experience I gained at Al-Fidaa, I decided to start my own clothing manufacturing business with friends of mine”. “The clothing company will be named
BUNDUAFRICA”. Sandile Nxumolo

“I never thought that I would learn so much more in such a short span of time, what initially meant to be a brush up of Microsoft office. I was immediately able to implement my new trained Microsoft word skills in my new job role at Manelez a few weeks later. After being employed there for
only two weeks, I was allowed to restructure the accounts payable process using the training I received.” Alleweya Hendricks

“After completing the course I have started my own business making clothing for people in my community. I wish to further expand on my business”. Thembela Mblatshwa

“I have managed to link up with a womens group at the location in Kwandokwenza. These women get contracts to sew uniforms for schools. I am also able to sew clothing for my kids”. Songezwa Mashiqa

“I am working part time as a seamstress at a private alterations and sewing business, I am working towards starting my own business”. Misiwe Solo

“Al-Fidaa is a wonderful organisation I’d like to thank. The first thing I want to mention is the warm hospitality and beautiful character of the people working there. During my most difficult time they supported me, not only in kind but also emotionally. I had someone to talk to at Al-Fidaa and that made me feel encouraged and dignified as a person in need of a shoulder to cry on.” Tayyiba Da Silva