Sinakho Skills Development Centre introduces ramp for special needs learners in Langa
Sinako founder, Nontuthuzelo Phahlana introducing some of the staff members, Thembeka Tholeni and Wendy Somtaki.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Sinako founder Nontuthuzela Phalana expressing her gratitude to donors and some of Sinako’s partner members such as Meals on Wheels.
Image: Phiri Cawe
People with special needs at the Sinakho Skills Development Centre and Entrepreneurship Training Academy’s sewing school in Langa can finally celebrate after being given a ramp to access the container.
The non-profit was founded in 2011 to provide private coaching and mentoring services to individuals and business owners.
Sinakho runs sewing classes for people with special needs, the elderly, and young people who are interested in sewing. The course is six months, and at the end of the course, students graduate and receive a skills education training certificate and their own sewing machine.
Those with special needs have been struggling to enter the fishing container building because there was no ramp.
On Tuesday, July 1, a Good Samaritan donated a ramp to the centre. Its founder and programme manager, Nontuthuzelo Phahlana, said: "It will be a good sight to see these people come and go with ease." She thanked the donor, Benchmark Cape, and encouraged the organisation to continue its good work..
“We have accommodated the people with special needs so that when they leave, they can open their own businesses. But we also get a lot of young people joining the course, and at first, it becomes a bit shaky because they get bored, but once they start the real work of sewing, it becomes fun," she said, adding that the day was about the ramp that will allow people to come in and out "without any fear".
"I am elated,” she said.
She said her community would be proud to see the ramp.
Ms Phahlana said they accommodate 15 people with special needs who are passionate about sewing.
“Here we have people who are passionate about what they do. We change people’s mindsets and transform many lives, including those of young people. We created a platform for all. This assistance will help a lot of Langa people to thrive,” she said, adding that her organisation is determined to bring meaningful change to Langa.
Mervin Benjamini from Benchmark Cape said he grew up with the belief that if you have something and someone else does not, you should lend a hand.
He said he was touched after hearing Sinakho’s story.
“I saw the need and vision of this place two years ago. I then asked myself, why can’t I be part of it? If you bless someone else, you feel blessed too. I'm so glad to make people's lives better,” he said.
Mr Benjamini said he was looking forward to many positive developments with the project.
Aphiwe Nyengule, the social worker who supports the people with special needs now learning at Sinakho, said she was grateful.
She said the community would now feel proud and confident, and the ramp symbolised a sense of belonging and dignity. She was also pleased that community members were given the opportunity to learn sewing skills.