● Overseas Aid
Soroptimism is a global organisation so we have the opportunity to help in many corners of the world:
For the next four years, alongside other clubs in our Federation, we will be working for Project SIerra, an ambitious scheme to help disadvantaged women and children in Sierra Leone face their post-war futures with confidence and hope.
● St Katherine’s School (Uganda) Scholarship
The Diocese of Winchester has close ties with the Lango Diocese in Northern Uganda and has pledged support to their clergy as the district emerges from a 20-year war with the Lord’s Resistance Army. We are providing a 5-year scholarship to a local girl, Miriam Alum (pictured below), so that she can complete her secondary education at St Katherine’s School in the diocese.
We work with St. Swithun’s School in Winchester on this project. Miss Cox and Revd. Dykes, two staff members from the school, recently visited St. Katherine’s. Click here for a fascinating read about their experience.
● Maryam Girls’ Teacher Training College (Malawi) Scholarship
We organised a sponsored Sunrise Walk to fund a full scholarship for a woman student at Maryam Girls Teacher Training College in Mangochi, Malawi. Students are enrolled in a two year programme which results in a locally recognized qualification to teach at a primary school level.
The college provides full time boarding facilities to post A-level students, many of whom would otherwise have no opportunity to further their education or careers. All the students are sponsored and this includes meals and some clothing. The government of Malawi is aiming to make primary school education freely available to all children so there is great demand for teachers. The first cohort of students graduated in summer 2008, and all have been employed.
● Hope and Dreams for Everyone
By donating money in lieu of sending Christmas cards we are able to support our International President’s Appeal on behalf of this charity based in Moldova. The charity works to prevent human trafficking from Moldova by providing life-skill education and sustainable living conditions for vulnerable children.
● Women of Wenceslao (WoW) bags
Click the heading to learn more about these colourful, environment friendly bags.