UJW celebrates sewing empowerment with ‘Afrocentric Wedding Vibes’

The latest graduates of the Union of Jewish Women (UJW) Johannesburg Sewing Empowerment School showed off their creations in the “Afrocentric Wedding Vibes” showcase on 11 December. 

This year’s five graduates presented the results of their commitment, hard work, and creativity in a celebration of African flair, colour, and cultural elegance. 

Each outfit was designed and constructed by the now former students themselves, highlighting the skills they have gained and their readiness to take on real-world opportunities in sewing and fashion. 

The UJW launched the Sewing Empowerment School in 2010 to help address unemployment and poverty through practical, income-generating skills. 

For more than 14 years, it has provided a rigorous four-month intensive training programme, equipping unemployed people with the foundational techniques needed to enter the world of sewing and small-business entrepreneurship. 

Students learn everything from sewing straight and unpicking garments, to reading and interpreting patterns, to mastering fabric cutting and garment construction. 

This initiative was launched to offer practical, income-generating skills. 

“This programme is about more than sewing,” says Vanessa Weltman, UJW’s office and project manager. “It’s about restoring dignity, building confidence, and empowering people to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.” 

UJW remains committed to uplifting and empowering people through education, skills development, and community support. 

This is made possible with the dedication of the sewing school manager, Ariane Heneck, and teacher Nomvula Setuke.