Tapping their skills, opening doors

The Muslim Ladies Study Circle conducts programmes to help underprivileged girls

Most women whether they are housewives, home makers or professional women have their dreams and aspirations. Yet for a certain section of our society, there is little avenue to fulfil these dreams, these aspirations, either due to circumstance, social drawbacks, or lack of opportunity. Over the years, with little fanfare, the Muslim Ladies Study Circle (MLSC), has dedicated itself to empowering these women.

A non-profit organisation, the MLSC set up their Vocational Centre two years ago and have since had over 600 girls following their courses and starting out on their own. “We are delighted that our project which was designed to assist young girls of all communities to be self- reliant has proved to be successful,” says MLSC Chairperson Ameena Faiz Musthapha. The programme mainly targets underprivileged girls and school drop-outs, with most of them coming from the immediate neighbourhoods, like Maligawatte, Maradana and Slave Island.

However, there are some students who come from as far away as Beruwela and Kahatowita as well. “We have been able to train the girls in English, computer skills, cookery, dress making, cake icing, embroidery (hand and machine) and beauty culture. These girls have also gained self-confidence and self-esteem,” Ms. Musthapha said. Each of the courses lasting six months, with daily parallel sessions, are conducted for a nominal fee. “We don’t offer the course free as students won’t value it but charge a nominal fee. Nobody has been turned away for lack of funds. If they’re unable to pay, an MLSC member will sponsor the fee,” she explained.

Final exams are held at the end of each course and an awards ceremony cum exhibition is held displaying the work of all the students. Over 1000 people attended the exhibition held last month and many were impressed by the high quality of the finished products. The MLSC vocational centre together with Muslim Aid (an INGO) plan to form a Occupational Skills Development Academy (OSDA) to gain international recognition and aid for such skills development via the Academy. This partnership could also see new courses coming in, such as dry food packaging and management.

The MLSC is also in the process of compiling a catalogue of all the products made by the students, to send to London, to hopefully find a market for the girls’ work. Registration for the new batch is currently open. Anyone interested in enrolling or getting further information can contact the Secretary of the MLSC Aysha on 2667955.