DP World helps upcycle to Empower women
Through Sewing Upcycle Course
During the second quarter of this year, the Upcycle Foundation received a generous donation from DP World International. This funding enabled the foundation to identify and enrol 20 local South Africans into an introductory upcycling sewing program. The program is specifically designed to empower men and women from across the country, teaching them how to convert waste materials into useful household items that can also serve as a source of income. By providing practical, hands-on skills, participants are empowered to make a difference in their communities, contributing to the local micro-economy through income generation.
DP World, formerly known as Imperial Logistics, underwent a rebranding process that left them with excess materials, including masks, pull-up banners, and truck sails. In line with their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and local Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives, DP World sought alternative ways to manage these materials, ensuring they did not end up in landfills. The Upcycle Foundation and its partners offered the perfect solution by upcycling these materials into useful products that could benefit the community.
Upcycle has long been dedicated to helping corporate South Africa find innovative waste management solutions. The sewing program, one of many such initiatives, was tailored to meet DP World’s specific requirements. The 20 participants in this short course used DP World’s surplus masks and banners to create bean bags, which were later donated to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in need. The eight-week course introduced participants to a range of sewing skills, enabling them not only to make bean bags but also to create a variety of other practical items, such as bags, pencil cases, and lanyards.
Upcycle, which provides the training, equipment, and facilities, has been in operation for over 10 years, demonstrating the long-term benefits of practical skills training in uplifting communities.
Through partnerships like these, we can collectively make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities across South Africa while fulfilling our shared goals of promoting upliftment, supporting people, and protecting the environment. In the following section, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of this impactful project.
One of the standout projects during the training was the transformation of face masks into bean bags. These bean bags were donated to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, demonstrating the practical application of the skills learned and their direct impact on the community. Bean bags are highly beneficial for children’s development, particularly in enhancing hand-eye coordination. These soft, versatile tools are perfect for various activities and games that require children to track, catch, throw, and balance. By engaging in these activities, children improve their motor skills, spatial awareness, and timing. Additionally, using bean bags makes learning fun and interactive, encouraging physical activity and cognitive development in a playful, stress-free environment.
The sewing course, spanning eight weeks with one full day of training per week, covered a variety of fundamental skills. These included:
- Learning to operate sewing machines and sew straight lines
- Creating flat pockets and tote bags with top stitching
- Joining fabric pieces with overlock seams
- Making narrow hems for tablecloths and napkins
- Constructing bag straps and attaching them correctly
- Inserting zippers and making pencil bags
- Hand stitching techniques such as tacking and blind hemming
- Bias binding for finishing seams and edges
- Learning to navigate corners and curves
The curriculum ensured that all participants, regardless of their initial skill levels, started from the same basic techniques, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support within the group.
The success of the program has encouraged further training and mentorship. Five of the women have continued their education with the Upcycle Foundation by attending a mentoring class once a week which focuses on advanced skills such as production line sewing, quality control and business management. This ongoing support aims to refine their proficiency, enabling them to produce high-quality upcycled products and run their own businesses.
Companies should be aware that the Upcycle operates a sewing training facility and offers a valuable opportunity for corporate sponsorship. By sponsoring one or more women to attend the basic sewing course, companies can contribute to their training in both sewing skills and business development, enabling them to earn a sustainable income. Additionally, Upcycle has received donated sewing machines that are currently in need of repair. Companies can sponsor these repairs, allowing Upcycle to provide the machines to women who are starting their own businesses. True empowerment comes when women achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence, and corporate involvement plays a crucial role in making this a reality.
DP World’s collaboration with the Upcycle Foundation exemplifies how corporate responsibility can be intertwined with community development and environmental sustainability. By sponsoring sewing courses for 20 women, DP World has not only provided valuable skills but also inspired a broader vision of empowerment and self-sufficiency. The initiative underscores the importance of practical skills training and ongoing support in creating lasting, positive change in communities.