We provide training beneficiaries with basic cooking skills and offer advanced and more specialised courses such as cake baking and cake decorating. The skills acquired has resulted in many Mamas starting a catering service, adding to their income, and providing employment to community members.

The courses also include meal costing, ingredient selection, dish presentation, cooking theory, personal and food hygiene, and cleanliness of the kitchen and appliances. The starter kit for these courses includes Kenwood Major Mixer and general kitchen appliances and accessories with some centres also receiving new stoves and ovens.

Mama Dawn Irons in Ubombo is the only Mama who trains community members to provide top quality one-of-a kind ceramic and pottery works. In support of her endeavor, the Clover Mama Afrika Trust provided her with a fully operating kiln, turning tops and other supplies.

The Gauteng Mamas received New Earth pottery training in 2016 that includes newspaper and cement. This skill has enabled the Mamas to produce neat pots of all shapes and sizes from recycled paper.

This skill was initially identified as particularly beneficial for communities in the Western and Northern Cape, but growing demand has seen it evolve into a nationwide initiative. Mamas and their nominated trainee beneficiaries are offered beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level courses to broaden their product range and strengthen their earning potential.

Once trained, many participants go on to empower others in their communities by passing on their sewing skills and establishing production lines at their centres to streamline output. These beautifully handcrafted items are marketed locally and continue to gain popularity with international supporters.

The sustainable growth experienced with the skills implemented at the various centres, made it evident that the Mamas need additional assistance to improve the management and profitability of their projects.

It also provides an opportunity to emphasise the importance of our “Evaluation Process,” which maintains the prime objective of sustainable growth. Currently, all skills training provided include basic business and finance management and marketing sessions.

Our hairdressing course offers an intensive week of hands-on training, equipping Mamas and their members with the practical skills needed to establish and manage a functional hair salon within their centres. This training not only builds confidence but also creates a pathway to financial independence and improved service offerings in their communities.

We will soon be offering additional training in barbering and specialised techniques. These new modules are designed to equip youth with practical, in-demand skills, creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship within the growing hair and grooming industry.

Each participating centre receives a fully equipped salon setup, including wash basins, chairs, mirrors, hair dryers, straighteners, brushes, combs, and a starter pack of essential products.

In addition, a full barbering kit will be provided complete with clippers, grooming tools, and a portable gazebo, enabling trained individuals to offer pop-up services and generate income wherever there is demand.

As a result of our annual roadshow, welding was identified as a valuable income generating skill for three Mamas. Thanks to the training provided by Bisho Steel in Port Elizabeth, these three Mamas have become very capable welders and have transferred this skill to various members in their communities.

Between the three of them, their welding businesses provides employment to 20 community members. The starter kit includes safety goggles and boots, overalls and a mobile welding kit with welding rods.