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Izinto Zimveli |
ITDC recognized that South
African rural communities have very little in the way of employment
opportunities and skills. They do, however, possess a fascinating traditional
craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately this age-old craft is fast becoming
lost and forgotten. In a study conducted in August 2000 at an informal
settlement outside East London, it was found that only 5 women out of a total of
195 were proficient in the traditional craft of beadwork. It was shocking to
note that all 5 women were over the age of 50 and not one youngster could be
found who was skilled in beadwork. These factors prompted ITDC to design a beadwork training course which was offered to a group of ladies from the Ducats Informal Settlement, just outside of East London. Many training workshops have since been held, and today Izinto Zimveli provides valuable income generation and employment opportunities to 15 women and 3 young men from the impoverished areas of Ducats Informal Settlement (Squatter Camp), Duncan Village Informal Settlement, Kwelera and Mdantsane.
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