Maria Centre Celebrates

Formal opening of new workshop centre as first women graduate.

                                                                Ladies attending the craft skills training workshop at the Maria Centre, close to Abuja.

The Maria Centre in Abuja will host a special event this Thursday, June 23rd. The day will commence at 10am with a graduation and awards ceremony for the women who have recently completed a skills training course. It will be followed by the formal opening of the new workshop centre. A fundraising sale of work will take place throughout the course of the day with crafts made by the women available for purchase. Funds raised will help provide some capital for the ladies to help get their business off the ground while also assisting with the purchase of two new sewing machines, a generator and tables.

The Maria Centre was set-up in response who the influx of people fleeing the Boko Haram war in north-eastern Nigeria. It is located in the David Area 1 IDP camp in Durumi close in Abuja in Nigeria.

According to Sr. Anne Falola, OLA the centre has gone from strength to strength since it opened it doors earlier this year:

“Since the activities commenced on the 8th of March 2016, about 30 women have persevered and have produced strikingly beautiful beaded bags, sandals, purses, bracelets, necklaces. Also we have produced liquid and tablet soaps. The women have had classes on hygiene and nutrition, while they have also learnt to make some snacks and Soya milk for nourishing the children.”

Sr. Anne, who coordinates the Maria Centre, feels the project has huge potential in the camp as it offers the women a chance to learn a skill rather than simply giving a ‘hand-out’. She also explained that the centre is open to all:

“The Project is Inter-faith by nature with both Muslims and Christians feeling at home at the Maria Centre. The name, ‘Maria’, is sacred in both Islamic and Christian traditions. Maria/Mariam/Mary is a woman we all hold as a model of womanhood, honoured by God. Through this project, we seek to promote the honour and dignity of every woman, irrespective of their age, religion, language or social status.”

Further information is available by emailing mariawomencentre@gmail.com.

Read more here.

                                                                     Ladies who took part in the skills training workshop show off their wares.