Jikani community project, Hogsback

http://www.hogsbackinfo.co.za/special
When a building in the main street became available this was the perfect spot to start a very needed community project in Hogsback.
Hogsback's own centre for finding, creating, and growing jobs.

It was in response to the frighteningly high unemployment statistics in the Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape in South Africa.
Hogsback, a village in the mountains, was no exception. It was urgent that the cycle of unemployment - poverty - depression be broken.
Jikani, loosely translated, means About turn.

It will engage local expertise in the development of marketable skills among the unemployed, including

* Internships for office and business practice;

* Computer Skills;

* Building skills - bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, electricals, plastering, painting etc;

* Wooden garden screens, arches and trellises made from local timber;

* Needlework- school uniforms, garments, embroidery, soft furnishings, knitting etc;*
* Beadwork;

* Kiln firing of ornamental animals currently made by tribesmen;

* with courses on First Aid and Home Nursing, Nutrition, Further Literacy .etc;
* a Charity Shop selling used clothing, books and household items;
* a Soup Kitchen
* a Laundry service
A long-term goal is to complete the half-finished house on the property and provde a home for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children,

The Centre opened on 1st March, 2013.