Threads of Hope

Hired as a full-time domestic worker, Vuyo, who was also known as a shining light in her employer's lives, took it upon herself to help care for and assist her employer's very ill mother-in-law, Denise. Everyday Vuyo would wash, clean, assist and read to Denise. She went above and beyond what was expected of her and was by Denise’s side until the day she, sadly, passed away. As a way to thank her for all her loving care over such a difficult time in their lives, her employer, Debbie, wanted to give her a gift but she didn’t have the financial capacity to ensure her contribution would make an immediate but also a longterm difference in Vuyo's life. However, knowing Vuyo had an interest in being trained and having a wish to further her sewing skills, she came across Themba Training. She ensured Vuyo had enough time off from work and paid for her to attend their training programme as well as her transport costs, Vuyo's hard work and perseverance paid off as she graduated top of her class, receiving one of the greatest gifts that would assist her for the rest of her life; being upskilled and given a qualification to assist her in creating a better future for herself. Starting off small on the weekends, with hand worked items and mending clothes, Vuyo was able to earn an extra bit of income and she was able to start a small business. Debbie decided that she wanted to do more for Vuyo, she wanted to be able to help her grow as a business owner and assist her in earning more money and attain a sustainable future for herself. She came up with an idea, she would use a percentage of money from each sale in her own business and put this into a fund to buy Vuyo a sewing machine. Debbie's customers loved this idea and they ended up donating towards machine too. After a couple of months, Debbie was able to buy Vuyo her very own sewing machine. Today, Vuyo has her own business, which she runs on the weekends, while continuously working as a full-time domestic worker in the week. Her time at Themba Training is something she will never forget, taking what she was taught and turning it into a better future for both her child and her self. There are thousands of lives out there that need a hand up, be that helping hand today and invest in the life of someone that truly needs it.