We celebrated another group of graduates from the Women’s Trade School last month in Terre Blanche. Over the past 10 years, 46 women have completed the three-year program.
One of our volunteer medical teams was in Terre Blanche to attend the ceremony and celebrate with the graduates and their families and friends.
During their studies, the students learned skills such as sewing (they made their graduation gowns), childhood development, cooking and etiquette.
After passing a national exam, the graduates now have a certificate and skills that will help them care for and support their families.
One of the students who is still in the program is Brezil Ann Rose. She started a trade school program 31 years ago but never finished because she was busy raising her children.
One day, she was passing through Terre Blanche and a friend told her about the Women’s Trade School, in which the friend was enrolled. Brezil wasted no time getting herself enrolled and for the first time in almost three decades it looks like she might graduate from a trade school after all.
Brezil said that while she plans to sell some of the items she’ll make after graduating, a large reason she attends the trade school is to provide a better life for her family.
Sarah Jeglum, HFH team member, contributed to this article.