Woodwork Centre hosts pop-up market in Harfield Village

Service users at the Woodwork Centre were given the opportunity to sell their wooden crafts in their first pop-up market held outside their premises in Harfield Village last Wednesday, May 14.

The Woodwork Centre is a project of the Western Cape Cerebral Palsy (WCCPA) non-profit that allows people with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities to learn skills such as assembling  wood, paint applications and machining. 

According to the WCCPA, the Woodwork Centre provides service users a supportive environment, a safe space for work and a place where they can socialise with other service users. 

Interim co-odinator at WCCPA, Fatima Essop, says the main goal of their pop-up shop was to advertise their wooden items and create an awareness that people with various degrees of disabilities can participate in work activities, thus enhancing a sense of self-worth and dignity.

Items such as tables, planter boxes, folding stands and party decorations were for sale.

Ms Essop says the Woodwork Centre also makes assistive devices for people.

“It does refurbishments of small old items of furniture, wooden chairs and tables for children, adapted shape boards and stacking toys, party décor items and lawn games. Currently, we are promoting our planter boxes,” she says.

The service users were excited about having their items on display.

Niven Manual says he felt good about selling his products. “I think selling a plant box is a massive achievement and shows what we are still able to do.” 

Brandon Williams said: “It is what I enjoy, and I feel glad to see my work being sold.”

Ashton Stevens said: “Interesting to see that those of us with disabilities can do actual work.”

Wooden items are sold at their premises at 11 First Avenue, Harfield Village. Can 021 685 4150 or visit wccpa.org.za to find out more about the Woodwork Centre.