MAPULA PROJECT

The Mapula Embroidery Project is one of the most important community art projects in South Africa, assisting over 150 participating women to develop artistic skills and create income to feed and educate their children and improve their lives. 

The struggles and triumphs of the women from the Winterveld have been reflected in many of their embroideries over the years. The project was initiated by the Pretoria Club of Soroptimist International and is now administered through the Mapula Embroidery Trust, a registered non-profit organization in South Africa.

In the past 30 years, the embroiderers have developed an intricate system involving design, production, and development of artistic and business skills. In addition to sales of the embroideries, the project is also supported by donations that help purchase equipment such as sewing machines and assist families of the project members. 

The Sisters of Mercy who live and run an education and skills training center in the Winterveld, provide the embroiderers with the use of a workspace free of charge and have been involved with the project from the beginning.