The creative output at Philani is an offshoot of the staff’s attempts to alleviate malnutrition and unemployment. Poverty, violence, instability and unemployment are central to life in the townships and informal settlements. Destitute mothers and malnourished children form the most vulnerable group within these communities.
Philani’s aim is to empower destitute families to ensure they become self-sufficient. With the help of government social workers the centre admits underweight children to its nutrition project and simultaneously provides training opportunities to their mothers.
Philani’s weaving section makes rag mats from waste fabric and sells them at craft markets in and around Cape Town. The flagship project offers skills training and printing facilities to unemployed mothers with pre-school children.
