Suraya Williams, founder of the Design26 Foundation, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Backabuddy to raise funds to build a community sewing skills training centre in Harmony Village, Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town. The foundation aims to empower young women in Mitchell’s Plain to become financially self-sufficient.

Williams, who is 46 years old and from Mitchell’s Plain, rediscovered her gift and passion for sewing and design after her mother’s passing on her birthday. In 2018, she founded the Design26 Foundation to provide skills, work opportunities, and a positive outlook to young women in the community.

“The lack of job opportunities and the prevalence of drugs, alcohol, and abuse can make it difficult for young women to see a positive future,” Williams said. “The Design26 Foundation aims to break this cycle by providing training and employment opportunities to young women in our community.”

Suraya says that with youth unemployment in South Africa sitting at 43.4%, she and her team believe that providing training and employment opportunities is crucial to giving young women the tools they need to succeed.

Suraya believes that addressing the issue of youth unemployment in South Africa is critical, especially considering the high rate of 43.4%. To empower young women and equip them with the necessary skills for success, she and her team believe that offering training and employment opportunities is vital. 

The foundation is seeking to raise R20 million to develop the “Hope Community Skills Centre and Manufacturing Plant” in Mitchell’s Plain. The funds will be used to purchase land from the City of Cape Town and construct a building that will house the centre and manufacturing plant. The centre will have classrooms, training facilities, and equipment for sewing and design.

To achieve their objective, Williams and the Design26 Foundation are appealing to the public to collaborate with them in creating a better future for the youth of South Africa. 

One way to contribute is by donating a brick for R100 or by committing to a monthly contribution through the crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy. Donors who are comfortable being acknowledged will have their names displayed on a donor board at the new centre. 

“We believe that by providing training and employment opportunities, we can give young women the tools they need to succeed,” Williams said. “Let’s make a difference together.” -says Suraya 

Support this campaign on BackaBuddy:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/design-26-foundation

Alternatively, donate via Snapscan:

https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Design_26_Foundation

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