Jamiatul Ulama KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on a skills development and empowerment workshop at our Welfare office with a view to providing a holistic service to a group of 10 students over a three-month period. This project is in collaboration with the Jamiat KZN and the Kenilworth Respite Centre.
The following skills and services are being provided:
- Psychosocial service
- Sewing
- Culinary skills
- Arts and Craft
- Education and information
Psychosocial services:
The results of our needs assessment revealed that in order for maximum performance levels, there was a need for Psychosocial services (counselling), which goes hand-in-hand with the skills training and empowerment.
After four weeks of skills training and psychosocial services, a major transition in behaviour of students was evident.
Sewing:
9 of the 10 students had no experience at sewing. Alhamdulillah, they have now progressed to cutting and sewing their own garments, which Insha Allah will assist them in creating a source of income.
Cooking:
Students are being taught how to put together scrumptious meals by making use of basic groceries. This skill will Insha Allah aid in attaining financial independence through a home industry.
The following dishes were made:
- Chicken stew
- Mince Casserole
- 2 types of roti
- Puri
- Grilled chops and vegetables
- Spur ribs and onion rings
- Spinach Bhajias
- Custard and Jelly
Arts and craft:
These skills allow students to be creative and to utilise inexpensive items to make products that could be sold, e.g., cards, decorated bottles etc.
Education and information:
Students are facing challenges because they are clueless about medical problems and solutions, basic skills of time management, decision-making skills and resources available to them etc. There is an ongoing effort by professionals in the respective fields in educating students on the relevant topics.
Evaluation (4 weeks):
The journey thus far has seen great progress and the positive impact of providing a holistic service is evident by the enthusiasm and positive change in students.
- Students are in a better frame of mind.
- The commitment from them is very positive.
- They are learning Social skills concerning interaction with each other.
- There are no Signs of boredom
- The positive energy among students allows for maximum utilisation of time
We are also running a social support group with 10 underprivileged senior citizens on Fridays. This group is very poor and is going through physical, mental, verbal and financial abuse. They are facing many other challenges in their old age.
They are currently being taught basic skills as they are sight and hearing impaired and a meal, freshly prepared onsite, is provided to them.
The vision with this group is so that they become familiar with their challenges and to assist them in setting up skills and social opportunities close to their areas with the assistance of volunteers and donors.
We make dua that Allah Ta’ala accepts this humble effort, especially the hard work and dedication of our sisters from the Kenilworth Respite Centre, the contributions of our donors and the efforts of all involved, Aameen.
If you wish to donate towards this project, kindly note our banking details below:
Jamiatul Ulama KZN (Lillah Projects)
FNB Umgeni Junction (200913)
Account Number: 5089 1141 828
Reference: SKILLS WORKSHOP & Your Name
LILLAH ONLY!
Strictly NO ZAKAAT!
Donations to this project are Section 18A applicable and therefore tax deductible!