What We Do
Zikulise offers a wide range of Skills Training Courses and on both foundational and advanced levels. We teach people valuable skills which will help them succeed.
Skills Training Courses
1.1 Baking & Business Skills (Foundation)
People are always hungry and looking for something good to eatl Being skilled In baking and being able to offer well baked and tasty products is a sure way to earn an income.
The Zikulise training programme includes the fundamentals of baking and correct hygiene practices. Easily saleable products such as muffins, scones, breads and rolls, biscuits, cupcakes, a large iced cake and other items are produced. Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course.
1.2 Baking & Business Skills (Advanced)
This is for individuals who are already familiar with baking techniques as more complicated recipes are dealt with including special occasion cake decorating for speciality birthday and wedding cakes.
The focus is on producing saleable products that have a ready market in the local community. Business skills for business start-ups are included In the course. After successfully completing this course the participants are better equipped to start their own small enterprise or apply for formal employment.
2.1 Sewing & Business Skills (Foundation)
Sewing is a skill easily learnt and access to a sewing machine is not essential. Producing sewn items for sale is an easy way to earn a living and can be done from home.Basic sewing techniques include a sample library, pattern reading and basic dress making.
The participants produce saleable products such as bags, garments and linen for local customers and the tourist trade. Both hand sewing and machine sewing methods are included in the instruction. Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course.
2.2 Sewing & Business Skills (Advanced)
The course is for individuals who are already familiar with sewing techniques and can use a sewing machine. More complicated patterns are dealt with including the making of special attire for traditional events.
Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course. Basic sewing techniques using an industrial sewing machine are also covered. After successfully completing the course beneficiaries are better equipped to start their own small enterprise or apply for formal employment.
3.1 Ceramics & Business Skills (Foundation)
Everyone has a need for well-made and in some cases unique cups and sauces, mugs, canisters and containers and a host of other ceramic products. In this course the participants are taught how to make these items and more.
Participants learn how to produce saleable products from clay including sculpture and traditional pottery for the tourist trade. Basic instruction covers hand building, decorating, glaring and firing. Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course.
3.2 Ceramics & Business Skills (Advanced)
The course is for individuals who are already familiar with the production of ceramic items. More advanced ceramic techniques and decorative effects are taught during this course and the creativity and individualism of the participants is encouraged.
Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course. After successfully completing this course beneficiaries are better equipped to start their own small enterprise or apply for formal employment.
4.1 Hair Braiding & Business Skills (Foundation)
Who does not like to have their hair beautifully braided?
Hair braiding is a growing trend and a very easy and cost effective way to earn a sustainable living. During the course the participants learn the fundamentals of hair braiding and correct hygiene practices.
Several different styles are taught. Business skills as it relates to business startups are included in the course.
4.2 Hair Braiding & Business Skills (Advanced)
The course is for individuals who are already familiar with hair braiding techniques. More complicated styles and techniques are learnt and the creativity and individualism of the participants is encouraged.
Business skills as it relates to business startups are included in the course. After successfully completing this course participants are better equipped to start their own small enterprise or apply for formal employment.
5.1 Traditional Bead Weaving & Business Skills (Foundation)
Traditional beaded jewellery produced by Zulu creators is credited as the best in the world. Well-made ankles are highly sought after by both tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately, it is a dying art but one that should remain vital and relevant.
The participants in this course are taught various beading stitches and techniques and produce items such as beaded necklaces, bracelets, belts and many more traditional and contemporary designs. Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included in the course
5.2 Traditional Bead Weaving & Business Skills (Advanced)
The course is for individuals who are already familiar with bead weaving techniques. More complicated designs and the production of unique and contemporary designs are introduced. The creativity and individualism of the participants is encouraged.
Business skills as it relates to business start-ups are included. After successfully completing this course participants are better equipped to start their own small enterprise.
6.1 Textile Art & Business Skills (Foundation)
Textile art includes fabric painting, embellishing fabric, the making of patchwork items, basket weaving and many others. Working with textiles encourages creativity and the producing of unique and one-of-a-kind items.
Various techniques are taught and the products that are produced during the training are saleable to both the local and tourism markets and will ensure a steady income for the producer. Business skills as it relates to business startups are included in the course.
6.2 Textile Art & Business Skills (Advanced)
The course is for individuals who are already familiar with textile art techniques. More complicated designs and products are taught during this course and the creativity and individualism of the participants is encouraged.
Business skills as it relates to business startups are Included. After successfully completing this course participants are better equipped to start their own small enterprise or apply for formal employment.
7.1 Business Skills (Foundation)
Running a successful small business is not easy but it can be done. It requires knowledge, skill, dedication, passion and perseverance. The business skills course at Zikulise includes instruction in correct costing and pricing techniques, basic financial literacy, marketing and advertising, packaging and display, customer service and life skills.
The course is offered to individuals who wish to start up their own enterprise and those who are already running their businesses and need some assistance.
7.2 Business Skills (Re-inforcement)
The course is for individuals who have previously received business skills training or have some knowledge of how to run a small business and need the techniques reinforced.
Time is spent on costing and pricing, branding, marketing and advertising, financial literacy and customer service with a strong focus on role play. After successfully completing this course the participants are better equipped regarding the business side of their enterprises.
8.1 Short-term Incubation
There is nothing like putting into practice what one has learnt in order to ensure a better and more successful outcome. We actively encourage sponsors to also consider committing to the Incubation phase that follows immediately after the foundation and advanced courses as this ensures long-term self sustainability as the participants are able to put the skill they have learnt into practice under the guidance and mentorship of the Zikulise staff and trainers.
Zikulise Imagining
We are imagining having a reserve fund for the long-term sustainability of the project.
Working towards long-term sustainability of Zikulise is an on-going imperative and one that has become even more pressing in the current economic climate. It has been proved that non-profit organisations with reserves will survive in the long-term. In fact, Zikulise having a reserve will be a sign of a healthy organisation that is likely to be around well into in the future, continuing to serve the community with excellence.
Recognition
Winner GENERAL MANAGER EXXARO KZN SANDS award to Julie Jonson, Zikulise Executive Director for excellent management and financial control of the Zikulise Project.
Winner NEDBANK CAPITAL GREEN AWARD – SOCIO ECONOMIC CATEGORY.
Winner ZULULAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE from the Empangeni Branch of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce.
COMMUNITY HERO AWARD by KFC award to Julie Jonson, Zikulise Executive Director.
Runner up BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD – Julie Jonson, Zikulise Executive Director.
Runner up ZULULAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD.