Women's Formation Centre – Senegal

10/08/2022

Thanks to the efforts of the Ursulines in Senegal, cooperation with state entities and the financial support of benefactors, it has been possible to establish a Women's Formation Centre in Lehar.

The first 2021/22 courses for women were held in two groups - areas: a sewing course and a fruit and vegetable processing course. There were 22 women participating in each group. The courses were held in the afternoon and the women often came with their children because they have no one to leave them with. Attendance was very good and the ladies were very motivated to learn.

On 23 June, the closing ceremony for the courses was held. It was a joyful surprise that each participant received a sewing machine or food processing tools - mixer, bowls, buckets - from the government.

In terms of funding, the Women's Formation Centre cooperates with state entities: for example, the Association of Disabled People in Pambal. Our partner is the Professional Formation Centre which is based in Dakar. We also raise funds for women's education from donations from benefactors and a symbolic enrolment fee from participants. Women's activism is also envisaged - the products we make can be sold.

There were and are many people willing to take part in the course and we trust that we will be able to organise it again in October.

based on information from sr Agnieszka Pięta OSU