Corporate gifts that change lives

The Hope Factory, an enterprise development initiative of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), is offering companies the chance to be socially conscious this Women's Day.

The factory is currently showcasing its new range of corporate gifts dedicated to commemorate August 9, 1956, when women from all over South Africa converged at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to take a stand for justice and humanity.

"National Women's Day is an opportunity to remember the South African women of the past, honour women of the present and inspire the women of the future. It celebrates the role women play and continue to play in society," says Chantyl Mulder, SAICA's senior executive for transformation.

Organisations that purchase gifts from The Hope Factory during August will be giving unemployed women the gift of financial freedom and practical work experience.

"The Hope Factory's prime philosophy is to develop disadvantaged women into entrepreneurs. After their 15-week training course, they are given the opportunity to join the job creation side of The Hope Factory where they make products that are sold to the accountancy profession and corporates outside of the profession," says Mulder.

There is an added advantage for large corporates, contributors and customers who support The Hope Factory in that it enables them to achieve maximum points on their BEE scorecard. The revenue generated by The Hope Factory does not exceed R5-million annually, therefore accrediting it as a 100% level four BEE supplier.

Established in 2001, The Hope Factory continues to impact and improve the lives of disadvantaged South African women by providing them with training in:

Technical skills (sewing, patternmaking, beadwork and other crafts),
Business skills (entrepreneurship and small business); and,
Life skills, in addition to job and wealth creation opportunities (time management, CV writing and HIV/AIDS).

"The Hope Factory recognises the value and untapped potential of all individuals in South Africa, as well as the profound impact that developing this wealth will have on the future success of this country," says Elizabeth Zambonini, SAICA's project director for enterprise development and corporate social investment (CSI).

The Hope Factory has trained 388 unemployed people since inception. Training is currently provided for 72 learners per year.

Once learners have graduated, they can choose to start their own businesses, seek formal sector employment, study further or join the Hope Factory job creation project. Graduates manufacture corporate gifts and conference materials, which are sold to companies throughout South Africa.

"The 15-week course offered by The Hope Factory has transformed many lives. Throughout the course, mentorship, advice and support as well as networking opportunities for further training or employment are provided," says Zambonini.

The Hope Factory employs between 40 and 80 graduates on a contract basis to fill gift orders. These graduates are funded by the Department of Labour in the Eastern Cape. Many of the graduates who have not joined the job creation project have gone on to fill full-time positions or start their own business.

This innovative enterprise development initiative is ranked as one of South Africa's top seven training service providers by the Department of Labour and was awarded the Old Mutual, Sowetan and SABC Community Builder of The Year Award in 2005.

"By purchasing Hope Factory products, you are creating employment, empowering people and uplifting communities," affirms Zambonini.

For more information visit www.thehopefactory.co.za.