Tutors and directors of the Jubilee KSN Youth Development non-profit organisation (NPO) are from the left Selloane Mohapi, Nana Carter-Masinga, Stephen Segopolo, Tshepo Mokokomali and Florence Phori.Photo: Teboho Setena
A Bloemfontein-based non-profit organisation (NPO), Jubilee KSN Youth Development, is arming youths with lifelong skills to help them navigate the effects of South Africa’s high unemployment rate.
The group provides those who appreciate working with their hands with basic training in design and sewing, as well as the production of beaded accessories, to become masters in making creative, proudly South African products.
The NPO was set up in 2021, in the wake of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, by like-minded trio Nana Carter-Masinga, Stephen Segopolo and Khonzaphi September.
From a humble beginning in a backroom in Turflaagte, Jubilee now operates in a fully-fledged building with modern sewing machines in Namibia, Bloemfontein. Vastly experienced tutors with knowledge in design, sewing and making beaded accessories have been enlisted: Selloane Mohapi, Florence Phori and Tshepo Mokokomali. They acquired these skills from their parents, and are happy to transfer it to the next generation.
Carter-Masinga also helps with training when the situation calls for this.
She explains that the plight of unskilled youths motivated her and her partners to persevere in setting up a community-based skills development organisation. Funding by the National Lottery enabled them to go full-force in recruiting and providing basic hands-on training. They have enlisted six youths.
Mohapi, Phori and Carter-Masinga acquired their sewing skills through a subject in the schooling curriculum called Home Economics, which focused on, among other things, developing learners’ skills in cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery.
In addition, they also took a leaf from their mothers’ books in mastering the skills of design and sewing. They recall that their mothers still used the iconic Singer hand sewing machines.
Phori has more to add regarding the training offered in producing beaded accessories, which are then sold to the public.
Phori training students to design and produce beaded accessories
“I learned to make beaded accessories while working as a cleaning supervisor at a psychiatrist facility. Here, psychiatrists used the activity of beadwork or producing beaded items as part of counselling sessions for their patients.
“I developed an interest and began learning – now I know how to design and make beaded accessories. Part of my training incorporates teaching candidates to be creative and produce outstanding beaded accessories.”
According to September, the mission of the organisation is to improve the quality of life of young people by providing basic lifelong skills through which they can make a living, rather than becoming despondent and resorting to a life of crime.
Jubilee KSN Development also hopes to make an impact by capacitating young people to positively change their lives and become self-sufficient.
September says their future goal is to train at least 20 young people who aspire to improve their lives.
The six students currently undergoing basic training for six month period
“With the right skills, someone can make ends meet and positively change his or her life. We focus on lifelong skills such as sewing, because such skills help millions of people for many years,” says September.
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