Summary of project status and achievements:
In December the sewing and knitting project continued to run. This particular class was aimed at getting more Congolese women involved in the Women’s Centre. There were several more women who wanted to join the class but the coordinators were unable to accommodate more than thirty. The large demand for the class at Road 36 was very encouraging. At then end of this course we will push for these women to get involved in a saving circle.
Future activities and projections:
The Women’s Centre staff will be sitting down with the PM to set goals for the coming year and to work on a plan to recruit new members for saving circles. As well, with the great news from Oakland that the new sewing machine project has been funded, the Women’s Centre will work diligently on crafting this program and looking at ways that this can help move the centre towards sustainability.
Indicators and statistics:
Please see M&E spreadsheet.
Substantial problems or issues:
The PM has been experiencing some difficulty with attendance of the Women’s Centre staff especially since the rains have started. Many of the women bring their small children with them to work and can not cycle in the rain with the children. The coordinator’s bike is having serious issues and might need to be replaced. This problem with transport has also been contributing to attendance problems. The PM has scheduled a meeting with the staff in January to discuss goals and how attendance issues will hinder the achievement of these goals. It is hoped that these issues will be resolved.
Wishes or requests:
Dinah still does not have a bicycle as FORGE has traditionally only had two bikes for the Women’s Centre. Dinah has been doing excellent work but is now six months pregnant and is finding it difficult to walk from road 36 each day. She is requesting for a bike.
Budget:
Please see expense monitor.
