NACOSA: Working to educate and empower women in Guyana

Georgetown, Guyana Apr., 30, 2009: – Guyana’s National Committee for Sisters’ Affairs (Nacosa) have reported on the completion of three programs in its continuing efforts to educate and empower women in the rural areas of the country.  Educational seminars were held during March and April.

A seminar was held at D’Edward, West Coast Berbice on the 15th March, 2009. The topics discussed were the ‘Rights the Holy Prophet (SAW)  gave to women and the privileges women enjoyed thereafter. Nacosa’s representatives in the region, Sr Nafeesa Osman and Sr Fazeela Khan, organised a skit performed by the sisters attending their classes,and the younger sisters recited verses of the Quran. There were about 200 sisters present.  Sister Aleema Nasir, Ameera, Sr Zohora Singh, executive secretary, Sr Shabira Jaffar, regional coordinator were the presenters.

‘Parent and Child Relationships’ was the theme of the seminar held at Farm Masjid annexe, East Bank Demerara on the 29th March, 2009. Sr Safeeya Pandor was the main speaker and she explained the duties and responsibilities of parents and children.

Sr Aleema Nasir  spoke about the problems arising in the family and some possible solutions. Sr Zohora Singh (pictured at Farm Masjid above)also made a presentation. There were about 150 sisters present, and the organiser was Nacosa’s regional representative Sr Bibi Sheriff.

Ocean View, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara was the venue for the seminar held on 26th April, 2009. Sr Aleema Nasir and Sr Safeeya Pandor both presented topics relating to the theme “ Seeking Knowledge” and this was organised by Sr Roshini Ayube, Nacosa’s regional representative.

Nacosa is presently executing 2 Women Empowerment Project aimed at livelihood development, partnering with 2 International Organisations of Canada.  The International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) Livelihood Development Project is being housed at the New Amsterdam Muslim Youth Organisation. 75 women are being trained in cooking and 80 in sewing (pictured below).
The project coordinator at this location is Sh Zakir Khan, and assisted by Sr Shazeeda Kowlessar. The second phase of training is scheduled to begin when the first batch concludes May.

Tuschen Masjid (picture below) is the venue for the project funded by the Human Concern International (HCI)and NACOSA/CIOG. The second phase of the sewing training as well as the cookery aspect is scheduled to end on the 30th June, 2009. The project concludes with a graduation ceremony where all the participants will be awarded certificates.

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