About Us

#BetterTogether

Sparrows may be small, seemingly insignificant birds; but because of their strength in numbers strategy, they are able to survive famine, droughts and large predators. Sparrow Society is built on this principle of Ubuntu – that we are inextricably linked and when we work together, we can go from merely surviving, to THRIVING!

Our Mission Statement

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Playlist

6 Videos

Still We Rise Poem

2:46

Dignity & Opportunity in Covid

5:26

SewBoss Success Story | Lizz Accessories

0:16

Kolisi Foundation | Roche | Sparrow

3:15

Elizabeth Arden BTS

1:05

Sparrow Founder on Afternoon Express

Working Together towards a more equal and unified society through skills development, job creation and enterprise development.

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Moving away from the traditional relief and aid model and into a sustainable and holistic economic empowerment model, our focus is on creating dignifying and viable economic opportunities predominantly for women in a range of industries. Sparrow Society provides job skills & entrepreneurship training alongside ongoing business support. We also provide a central procurement and marketing hub that is able to manage large contracts, and ensure quality control and logistics to our global clients.

Gender Based Violence is a reality that many women in South Africa face. It has been proven that when women are able to financially sustain themselves, they are less vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. By providing economic opportunities for women, we are restoring the power back into her hands to protect herself, provide for her family, and reach for a better future.

"We are not in the business of creating products. We are in the business of creating options - real options." - Kate Brim-Senekal, Founder & Managing Director

Skills Development

Having additional skills helps candidates stand out in a crowded job market. We offer training in:
★ Upskilling Sewing Skills
★ Barista Program & Coffee Sales
★ Work readiness & Entrepreneurship
★ Upskilling in Quality, Consistency & Reliability as well as customer care and communication.

Job Creation

We not only train in useable skills, but we work to procure and grow REAL & sustainable job opportunities.
★ Researching and procurement of real economic opportunities for our beneficiaries
★ Recruitment and providing training for beneficiaries to be successful in new job opportunity
★ Partnerships with International Brands

Enterprise Development

For candidates who have an entrepreneurship edge and are ready to take their business idea to the next level, they are invited to participate in our Creative Business Skills Course & Mentorship program where they learn:
★ Basic Business Skills:
★ Tax & Compliance
★ Branding & Marketing
★ Product Development, Pricing
★ Sales & Customer Service

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Sparrow Society

#ProductsWithPurpose

Our main project, Sparrow Society, is focused on reviving textile manufacturing in South Africa through promoting locally and ethically made, high-quality branded tote bags and zip bags for a wide range of retailers and global cosmetic brands. Our training focuses on upskilling seamstresses to reach a high level of quality, consistency and reliability in order to retain and grow client list, both locally and internationally.

Ethical Manufacturing

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#KnowWhoMadeIt

Sparrow Society is not a traditional factory, but rather works through the creation of a network of over 100 home-based seamstresses (SewBoss), empowering women with basic business skills and a support network to allow her flexibility and ownership, while maintaining access to ongoing work opportunities and peer support to keep her business sustainable.

Enterprise
Development

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"Change the World, but Start with Coffee". Through targeted sourcing, training and messaging, We Rise Coffee aims to create an avenue for women to break into this exciting and rapidly growing industry.

We Rise Coffee

Coffee Appreciation
Barista Skills Training
Sales & Customer Service
Job Readiness

Barista Skills & Sales Training

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#YesSheCan

"Empowering girls with a choice for a brighter future through Entrepreneurship Training and Business Incubator"

The Young Entrepreneur Society is a course developed specifically for high school aged girls to introduce them to entrepreneurship themes and opportunities to develop their own business plan and get input from a business mentor.

Young Entrepreneur Society

Xolelwa

Seamstress
Team Leader

Kate

Founder
Managing Director

Adelaide

SewBoss -
Manager & Trainer

Antoni

Seamster
Pattern Maker

Pretty

Barista
& Sales

Teresa

Partnerships
Manager

Lefuma

Barista
& Sales

Eva

Cutting Team
Leader

Kylin

PA
Team Leader

Precious

Production
Assistant

Mikayla

Production
Assistant

Mbuyi Diane

YES Girl
Content Creator

Ingrid

Systems -
Manager

Shannon

Production
Assistant

Aphelele

SewBoss
Driver

Janine

Production
Assistant

Leroy

Field Logistics
Coordinator

Aaniyah

Production
Assistant

Shireen

Packing
Manager

Wayne

Fundraising
Coordinator

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