Lavelikhwezi empowerment project
DID YOU KNOW: Lavelikhwezi means ‘rising star’ or ‘tomorrow’s bright morning star’ in Xhosa, a local southern African language.
Established in 2019, the Lavelikhwezi Empowerment Project is a women’s livelihood project initiated by the Born Free Foundation based at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The aim is to support the creation of sustainable income opportunities for local Paterson community members.
Lavelikhwezi Outcomes:
- Building Women-Owned Businesses
- Finance and Workload Management Training
- Providing Tools for Self-Sufficiency and Diversified Income
- Empowering Women as Community Role-Models
Lavelikhwezi Achieves These Outcomes by:
- Business Development Training
- Manufacturing and Technical Skills Training
- Providing Product Materials
- Providing Manufacturing Equipment
Planned Future-Growth:
- Digital finance and invoicing systems
- Computer-skills Training
- Digital, Online and Website Training
- Incorporating artistic beading and uniform sewing into product offering
Lavelikhwezi Contribution to Shamwari Ecotourism
- Design and Production of Fabric Amenity Bags Gifted to Guests
- Supply of Tote Bags for Shamwari Boutique Curio Store Sales
- Design and supply of lanyards for the Gravel Burn cycle race medals.
