Angels give creative wings to 17 women

[caption id="attachment_40138" align="alignright" width="405"] CREATIVE CIRCLE: Learning recycling skills at Walmer Library are Sizeka Nikamo, 45, left, Ntombomzi Gotyana, 35, and Nolitha Mgushelo, 41. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE[/caption]

BOTTLES, odds and ends of fabric, cardboard and plastic are just some of the junk a group of township women are using to make beautiful objects, including dolls and ornaments.

Creche caregivers from the nearby township gathered at the Walmer Library yesterday, the first day of a six-week project hosted by the Angels Project.

Founder of the project Glenda Brunette, a former The Herald GM Citizen of the Year finalist, said it was initiated to teach 17 caregivers how to make a living out of waste.

Brunette said the Angels already had a literacy centre in Walmer, where they teach English to Grade 2 pupils.

"We have built two classes out of recycled wood. We also hang up the material to entertain the pupils," Brunette said.

Women taking part are divided into three groups and will revolve each week, based on specific skills being learnt.

Municipal library official Karlien de Klerk, who is also involved in organising the project, said its purpose was to give the women alternative ideas on how to earn extra cash.

Caregiver Nolitha MthaweThemba said: "We make a lot of products, including dolls and mats and we are crocheting with plastics."

The groups will spend every Monday teaching each other how to make different products using various recycled material.

"The group that was knitting bags this week will next make ornaments made of glass bottles," MthaweThemba said.

Caregiver Nomabongo Tholi said: "I am excited about the project because it will uplift us as caregivers.

"When the workshop is done we will sell the products for money that will benefit the creches we are involved in."

Brunette, who is fluent in isiXhosa, started Angels Project and it has assisted 12 creches by approaching businesses to help them. - Yonela Mgwali