SOCIAL PRACTICAL

The Academy has developed a social practical module for its first year students to design and manufacture garments for the Baphumelele Children's Home in Khayelithsha in a simulated factory environment. The project aims to give students experience in the factory production of clothing and related items, while addressing the shortage of clothing and related items at the orphanage. The project also raises awareness of HIV/AIDS orphans by taking students on field trips to the orphanage to personally deliver items.

The social practical module involves management, instructors and first year students of the Academy and to date the project has delivered 120 custom designed children's tracksuits, 30 children's aprons, 32 embroidered staff aprons, 20 student sling-bags and three teddy-bears.

Many of the 98 kids at Baphumelele were orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS and some are HIV-positive. The institution depends heavily on donations and according to Rosie Mashala, the founder and head of the orphanage, financial support from the private sector is the life blood of her home.

The project offers a unique opportunity for the students of the Academy to give something back to the community and simultaneously use a part of the students' curriculum to raise public awareness. “The students have to do a factory project in their first year and must create an assembly line to produce a large number of items and this is an ideal opportunity. The attention to detail that the students manage to work into the garments so that it becomes something that the kids will treasure and enjoy, is quite remarkable,” said Elizabeth.

To make a contribution, or get in touch with the Baphumelele Children's Home please contact Rosie Mashale on 082 718 8275, or send a fax to 021 361 8631.