Lifeline Project

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate LifeLine on the graduation of the students on the ITHUBALETHU PROJECT. The word 'ithuba' means dream / opportunity / chance, and it was involved with getting girls and youth off the streets, educating them about AIDS drugs and rape and developing a sense of pride and self respect. The project has many sponsors both in SA and overseas and many different Government Departments are involved. Lifline are hoping to get bigger premises in the form of an empty Government Building as the present one opposite the Community hall in Warwick Triangle is too small to house all the candidates.

This project was started 7 years ago and has grown to incorporate many aspects. One being hairdressing. It was exciting to see all the ladies (some very young indeed) so well turned out in black and white or traditional dress. One of the sponsors that should be highly commended is Craig of GHD who donated a large amount of equipment. The biggest challenge of course is always finances, and that was what made this donation so extra special.

So far 330 women and girls have completed this LifeLine program, which has so far produced, amongst others, 3 LifeLine consultants of whom one finished a two year Diploma Course and now works as a clerk for the Municipality. Of the more recent addition of the hairdressing course, 2 candidates have their own salon business - one mobile and one renting a chair.

The hairdressing skills course is 3 months in duration and incorporates Shampooing, Conditioning, Treatment, Relaxing, perming, setting and extensions. These give the learners a basic knowledge to grow on and fits them for a shampooist/assistant job in a formal salon.

Learners were taught by an accredited teacher who works at Thekweni Cato Manor campus, Vumile Dlamini. Vumile is very dedicated to this project and teaches in her own time. Coastal KZN College, through Carol van Tonder is forming a partnership with Lifeline and it is hoped that with further suitable assistance and effort the project will grow from strength to strength.