From The Stitch Lab to The Showcase

By: Prince Moise

The Journey To Success

On April 11, 2025, the Stitch Lab showcase and graduation event marked a powerful and inspiring celebration of the accomplishments of the women who have engaged in this project.  

The Stitch Lab training program is an initiative meant to help mold beginners and those with limited experience to become great stitchers and business women. This goal is accomplished by having instructors not only demonstrate the basics but also to be used as a learning tree, but also by letting women connect with each other and build community. Through the program, participants were able to create products like tote bags, dresses, and skirts. 

This day served as a culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and transformation. What began at the beginning of the year as a journey filled with uncertainty and curiosity  evolved into a powerful experience that turned beginners into confident, skilled stitchers, ready to take on new opportunities with pride and purpose.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of the the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset that has led the project, Creative Women of the World who has provided training, and Inkululeko, which played an instrumental role in securing this Rotary Global Grant and working with others in Grahamstown/Makhanda and in District 6540 to bring this mission to life.

How It Went

These participants embraced the process, showed up day by day, stitch by stitch, fully committed to their vision and purpose. The challenges they faced along the way helped them to prepare for any similar tasks that they may face going forward in the future. But it was through patience and persistence that they arrived at this very moment, ready to celebrate all they have become.

The Journey Continues

If you would like to become one of the next participants to work with the Stitch Lab training, the next cycle will begin from May to July 2025. For more information about Inkululeko's programs and how you can support our work, visit https://stitchlab.co.za/

For more information about Inkululeko's programs and how you can support our work, visit inkululeko.org.