Shweshwe poppies (dolls) were designed by children at our Zola centre. They were asked to draw pictures of their perfect doll and the sketches were turned into reality by women in our sewing project, using the traditional South African shweshwe fabric.

The project now employs 21 women whose children were previously enrolled in our feeding scheme. The families no longer need free food and their places have been taken by other needy families.

The completed poppies are exported and sold in Norway, through the efforts of Ms Sue Smirin, a member of our fundraising committee, and Kjersti Lie Holter from Norway,

Through this project, the ladies have regained their self esteem. A trust fund for the children who designed the dolls has been established.

Six impoverished women in Alexandra township are now growing from strength to strength with Heartfelt South Africa.

Founders Tess Britz and Candice Poole combined their creative and marketing skills into a job creation initiative to empower township women.

The group hand-embroiders T-shirts with their trademark heart designs, but is expanding the range to include aprons, mobiles, brooches and scatter cushions.

When asked what Heartfelt meant to her, Maries Motshilebe replied: 'This came to me as an answer to my prayers; it has helped me more than I can say. I am able to buy some groceries and help my teenage daughter with transport money.'

Idah Boshomane, a single mother of three says, 'Life is very difficult at home, but we can now put food on the table. Before, there were times when you used to go to bed with an empty stomach.'