Through training and developing students in the creative and practical skills of fashion design, as well as life skills and basic computer literacy, the project aims to empower young people affected by HIV/AIDS to build sustainable lives for themselves and their families.

One major success story from the Gateway School of Fashion is from a student called Prudence. When Prudence started at the School, she lived with her mother – a single parent who works as a domestic worker.  There are 4 other children in the household and Prudence is the oldest.  All 5 family members stay in a one roomed “low cost” housing development house which is an extremely crowded environment. 

Prudence stays in digs in Pretoria and has obtained a bursary to cover travel and living expenses. At the end of her 3 year course, she has a number of options, including the possibility of returning to Project Gateway to work in the Fashion School. Prudence’s dream is to travel to England and study for a post graduate degree in Fashion, having her creations showcased at London Fashion Week!

After meeting with Di Milford again here in the UK we were able to update Di with our recent trip to South Africa and the International Fashion Fusion project. Di was joined by Jabulani Mnailwane, CEO Project Gateway and Reg Witchard, UK Manager and Chairman and we are now in talks about setting up an exchange programme with Haringey Council which is all part of the International Fashion Fusion project.