The Ithemba Wonderbag project, launched last week, aims to bring social economic development initiatives and vocational skills training for women and youth to their doorstep.
On Wednesday 8 June, the Community Development Foundation Western Cape Foundation (CDF WCape) handed over fabrics for the making of 30 wonderbags to five community partners of the non-profit organisation as seeding grant.
Earlier this year, with a donation received from Velisa Africa for Social Entrepreneurship, CDF WCape collaborated with the Children Resource Centre (CRC) in Mitchell’s Plain, allowing for 10 Ithemba women to attend a three-day wonderbag sewing training course.
The wonderbag is a simple, non-electric slow cooker which, after bringing a pot of food to the boil and placing it in the bag, continues to cook the food for up to eight hours without any additional energy source.
Freda Philander, Executive Director of CDF WCape, says the primary focus of their NPO, situated in Wynberg, is to strengthen the community through philanthropy.
“CDF WCape is an agent for change, identifying opportunities that link donor’s interest to community needs and aspirations. The mission of CDF WCape is to improve the quality of life, strengthen the common good and address the most challenging social concerns of people living in the Western Cape,” says Philander.
She adds that the Ithemba Wonderbag project forms part of their organisation’s integrated strategies aimed at eradicating poverty in vulnerable communities. “These 10 Ithemba women (are) the Champions of CDF WCape and they will continue to train women and young girls within their respective communities,” says Philander.
To donate towards the project, contact the foundation on 021 761 8339. For more information, go to www.cdfwcape.org.za