Crown Fashions

In October 2004 seven women from Agape Missions Church came together, joined hands and started a Cutting and Designing project. Some of these members used to do projects independently but realizing the benefits that team work was going to bring they formed a group. Teamwork makes the dream work. The team dedicated in bringing their dream to fulfillment made contributions of money, threads and sewing materials in order to kick-start the project.

The major objective of this project was to help members to be able to survive in the country’s harsh economic conditions. The project also helps in paying fees for the orphans and also taking care of widows. The group members teach other how to sow, they fellowship and pray together. Projects have helped in enhancing and building relationships amongst the brethren themselves and the community as a whole. The Crown Fashion Designers team has a time schedule that they use in their operations. Business hours range from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

The project has two machines [1 electric and 1 over locking machine]. The group has so far been specializing in sewing uniforms. Mrs. Manyika one of the group members has noted that, the idea of sewing uniforms is just a stepping-stone. It is one amongst many that are yet to be implemented. The project targets rural schools, and specializes in sewing uniform for Grade ones and form fours.

Taping into the challenges that the group has been facing, Ms R. Ndhlovu one of the group members said that, the material that is used for sewing uniforms is not always available in the shops and this at times stifles the growth of the project. The machines that they use are also a problem but they have tried to deal with this problem by borrowing machines from people and the church also assisted and bought them a machine. One of the group members also expressed her gratitude to the Church for the assistance that they got through the rotating fund to buy materials for the project. Mrs. Manyika giving a comment on their project also noted that, the project has enhanced their self-management skills and thereby equipping them to be able to manage others in the future. One of the group members also raised her concern on Child headed households, noting that the group has set out to stand and support these families through their project.

Future Plans

In their plans for the future the team has identified another business plan. The team has decided to run two projects that will include soap making. The team has a set up structure. The Chairperson co-ordinates meetings and takes problems faced in the project to the leadership. The Treasurer deals with the financial matters of the group whereas the duty of the secretary is to take record of events and minutes during their meetings. The Crown Designers Fashion project has been of great
benefit to the group members who have seen the burden of taking care of their families being taken off their shoulders.

This group is does cutting and designing of clothing. The main types of clothing are uniforms for urban and rural schools.

Other Projects in Southern Region: