Helping Hands | The Muse Factory | Charities, NGO's and NPO's in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and George

The Muse Factory, Knysna Women's Beading Project, was set up with the objective to empower the women of these communities by offering skills training, creating job opportunities and alleviating poverty promoting self-development and a feeling of self worth.

The project started with a workshop at the Old Gaol Museum Complex in March 2004.

The Project partners with Family & Marriage Society of South Africa (FAMSA), who refers the women within their Women In Need (WIN), programs to the project. FAMSA's goal of counseling is for clients to manage their problems on their own and to live their lives more effectively.

The women work from home however a variety of beaded products are for sale in our "shack chic" shop at the Old Gaol Complex.

For further information, please contact the
Director, Picca de Bruin, or Project Assistant, Shirley Manual.

The project addresses poverty and sustainable entrepreneurial development in an innovative and entrepreneurial manner as well as family budget planning.

The women are taught the skills needed to make beaded designs incorporating the traditional and the modern. The designs are based on women icon's to highlight the plight of women. A high regard for quality and craftsmanship remain pivotal in the drive for self-sustainability.

The project will work towards uplifting the family unit and creating a vibrant community life, and to secure economy growth.

The Muse Factory believe the empowerment of women is the key to the upliftment of any community!

The Muse Factory also work closely with The Oyster Festival to promote other community organisations.