Children at Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in North Durban will now enjoy colourful and cosy nap times, thanks to a special donation from Dyefin Textiles. The Umbogintwini-based company gifted The Domino Foundation 250kg of assorted Disney fabric offcuts, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and superheroes.
The fabric was sent to Othandweni (Place of Love), a safe house south of uMngeni that supports survivors in Domino’s Red Light anti-human-trafficking programme. There, residents put their sewing skills to work, turning the offcuts into mattress covers for pre-schoolers.
In late 2024, 13 women at Othandweni completed two months of sewing training. Safe house manager Gill Hammond said: “They started with no sewing experience, but now they are confident seamstresses.” Their hard work resulted in 121 beautifully made mattress covers, which will be used with mattresses donated by FNB Volunteers Coastal for Domino’s ECD programme.
The sewing lessons are part of Red Light’s Restoration programme, helping survivors gain skills and confidence for independent living. “Some of them now see sewing as a way to earn a living,” added Gill. The women have also created dresses, toys, hats, pencil bags, and shopping bags—many of which will be donated to ECD centres in Amanzimtoti.
Thembelihle Mkhwanazi, leader of the ECD programme, said: “It’s wonderful to see one programme supporting another, bringing hope and practical help to those in need.”
For more information on how to support the Red Light or ECD programmes, contact Gill at restore@domino.org.za or Thembelihle at ecd@domino.org.za.
