The
Women’s Network of the Methodist Church aims to encourage, enable and equip
women to participate fully in the life of the Church and in society. It
does this through:
Training in
specific skills, Conferences and events, Different styles and ideas for worship,
Campaigns, Provision of information and mutual support.
South
East District
The
new District chose as its first fund-raising project "PELLEGRINO
DELLA TERRA", a Methodist project in Palermo, Sicily, supporting
African women who have been trafficked. So far, 140 women have been
helped by the project, which runs a cultural centre offering help and
advice, food parcels and medical help.
Here is more information about the project
|
On
the island of Sicily, in Palermo, is a Methodist project which
supports African women who have been trafficked. So far 140
women have been helped by the project which has been running for
almost 20 years. Housed in little more than a
"lock-up" shop. the Pellegrino Cultural Centre is open
for African women who have been working on the streets, who
request help and advice. At the office food parcels and medical
help are dispensed to the women who call.
Vivian
Wiwolanku who had developed support and help from a number of
institutions, including a group of RC sisters, directs the work
of the project. The sisters visit the streets and speak with the
women.
The
issue of trafficked women was first identified when women began
coming to church to ask prayer for their safety whilst they were
on the streets. Many are Christians and others are influenced by
witchcraft and voodoo, so they are open to the claims of the
Gospel. Vivian can "preach" to them on the streets and
tell them of the love of Christ whose power is greater than that
of the witchdoctor.
The
project, as well as caring for the women, also trains them in
skills that can be used to generate income for them. |
links
page for web address
ALDERSHOT
METHODIST CHURCH