Isandula Vocational-Technical College Update

by Michele Torrey, OA Volunteer Secretary and Co-Founder

These are exciting times at our Isandula Voc-Tech College. The dormitory for girls is due to be finished next month and we have a new tailoring program which has attracted many young women. Initially there were only two treadle-operated sewing machines. By the time we left, there were two additional brand-new treadle sewing machines, plus seven refurbished electric machines. The tailoring program also received bolts of new fabric and hundreds of notions, enough to keep the class busy and learning for months to come! We were also fortunate to be able to hand out certificates of graduation for students earning their two-year certificate in electrical installation, solar and auto. The driving program is going strong and received a new-used SUV from OA. The oldest car of the fleet will be used for automotive engine repair practice.

Photos (L to R, starting top left): 1) In between classes at the campus; 2) The girls' dorm complex, still under construction (the brown building attached to the girls’ dorm is a small kitchen & outdoor cafe which will serve the students as well as earn income from the surrounding area. Uphill from our school [driving past the cafe] is a new university for disabled students); 3) The students displaying their knowledge with a demonstration on electricity; 4) Michele in front of the new Hicks-Campbell Library, built in 2023.