Young women learn baking skills

A group of young unemployed women from Makhaza in Khayelitsha received baking training through a partnership between USAID, Networking HIV and Aids Community of Southern Africa (Nacosa) and Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI).

A fortnight, this group celebrated after completing the tailored skills short course where they learnt to bake, market and sell their products.

They were part of the Dreams project, which aims to empower women from disadvantaged communities.

Thembelihle Zuma from Smart HR Solution said the project was a success as it gave participants skills to start small businesses.

“We choose participants after thorough screening to make sure we choose deserving people and they have shown that they are willing to work hard. The course provided skills which are very helpful. Some of the women want to start small businesses, others end up getting employment,” she said.

She said although the organisations were focused on the fight against HIV/Aids, it was important to teach skills that can earn an income.

Women are recruited from townships like Joe Slovo, Langa, Khayelitsha, Dunoon and the team doing the training is comprised of Linda Mbali, district co-ordinator, Yolanda Gigi, linkage officer, Ntombifuthi Stena, eastern and northen areas, Ziyanda Silwana western and Langa areas.

Khayelitsha chef Peter Salman, who trained the young women, said he was impressed with their enthusiasm.

“They were quick learners and they grasped the concepts we instilled on them. It wasn’t only about mixing dough but strategies of making their businesses work,” said Mr Salman.

He said there was great need to equip young women with entrepreneurial skills.