The Sri Sarada Ma Sewing Course, a 10-week skills development program, was successfully inaugurated at the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Durban, on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami Day, October 2, 2025.
Classes commenced shortly thereafter, beginning on October 6, 2025. Classes are held three times a week—every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Swami Nischalananda Hall at the Durban Centre.
Course Objectives and Curriculum
This 10-week Beginner Sewing and Craft Course is specifically designed to empower women facing socio-economic challenges. The primary goal is to equip them with practical, income-generating skills that can support employment opportunities or facilitate the launch of a small, home-based business.
The comprehensive curriculum focuses on fostering creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial thinking, covering:
- Foundational Sewing Skills: Students complete a series of useful and sellable items, including shopping bags, pillowcases, and aprons.
- Crochet Techniques: Introduction to crochet to enable the production of items like beanies (woollen hats), scarves, and blankets.
- Supplementary Skills: Creative recycling projects and basic marketing skills are also included.
Operations and Support
The Centre has five industrial sewing machines available for use. Currently, six students are registered for the course, including some who were registered on the recommendation of the Phoenix Child and Family Welfare Organisation (an organization dedicated to supporting abused women and children).
To ensure high participation and minimize barriers, the Centre provides substantial logistical and material support:
- Transport: Free transport is arranged for the students to and from the Centre.
- Materials: All necessary sewing and writing materials are supplied by the Centre.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided daily for both the instructor and the students.
The sewing instruction is delivered by a qualified machinist who has generously engaged her services in a voluntary capacity. She receives an honorary stipend for her commitment, and her transport is arranged and paid for by the Centre.
Progress and Outlook
The classes are progressing well. Students have already completed the practical projects of pin cushions and shopping bags and have successfully passed a written assessment on the parts of a sewing machine. This positive start indicates a strong foundation for the remainder of the program.
