The Sri Sarada Ma Sewing and Craft Course was a 10‑week skills development programme conducted at the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa.

The programme was designed to equip women with sustainable sewing and craft skills, fostering self‑reliance, confidence, and meaningful opportunities for income generation within a structured and supportive environment. A total of 23 women attended the course.

Over the ten‑week period, participants acquired both foundational and intermediate skills in sewing, crochet, embroidery, and creative upcycling. Training began with building confidence in operating sewing machines and mastering essential stitches, seams, hems, and core construction techniques. As their competence grew, participants progressed to producing a range of practical and marketable items, including reusable shopping bags, pillowcases, scatter cushion covers, aprons, scrunchies, food covers, embroidered pieces, and other functional home and wearable textile products.

The curriculum also introduced the creation of T‑shirt yarn and finger crocheting, encouraging innovation and resourcefulness through sustainable upcycling practices. Elements of entrepreneurship, together with basic business and marketing principles, were incorporated into the programme. Daily transport was arranged to and from the Centre for participants. Breakfast and lunch were provided each day, and all fabric, sewing materials, tools, and accessories were supplied throughout the duration of the course.

To support continued learning, each participant received a comprehensive sewing manual containing detailed instructions and patterns for every item completed during the programme. This resource was designed to serve as a practical reference beyond the classroom, enabling participants to continue practising and refining their skills independently.

Deep gratitude is expressed to the President of the Centre, Revered Swami Swatmaramanandaji Maharaj, for his continued guidance, encouragement, and keen interest in the development of this initiative.

The course was coordinated by Mrs Fawzia Shrivastava, and Mrs Radika Govender served as the sewing instructor. Participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedication and successful completion of the programme on 21 February 2026 at the Centre by the Honourable Mr Justice Ranjiv Nirghin, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.

The occasion reflected not only the acquisition of practical skills, but also the personal growth and renewed sense of possibility experienced by those who took part.