Poole Soroptimists have put together haberdashery kits to help women in Africa to set up their own clothes-making businesses.

At a recent meeting, they were able to hand over the kits to a speaker from Tools for Self Reliance, a charity which trains people in several African countries to give them a trade and take them out of poverty. Initially, they trained people in carpentry and brickwork but, when women taking those courses were unable to get jobs, they introduced tailoring as an alternative. Business training is included so that the women are able to set up their own micro businesses. As well as the haberdashery kits, the charity also provides sewing machines, which are refurbished before being shipped out. Tools for Self Reliance has enabled many women to become self reliant, be able to provide for their families and educate their children so that, in their turn, they will be able to get jobs and not trapped in poverty.

A spokesperson said: “We collected over 1,000 items of haberdashery and were delighted to know that one day they will become part of the garments that women in Africa will make and will play their part in helping them and their families out of poverty. Hearing how proud these ladies will be when they complete their courses and what this will do to their sense of self worth and confidence is a real bonus.”

Poole Soroptimists work to help women and girls in this country and around the world. Currently they help the Women’s Refuge and survivors of human trafficking and have created bookmarks which are used in local schools to help make children more aware of the signs of abusive relationships. Further afield, they support a young girl’s education in Kenya and a forest regeneration project in Nepal which will help employment for local women.

If you looking for an opportunity to meet new people and are interested in working with like-minded women making the world a better place for women and girls come along to a meeting. They meet on the second Monday of the month in Creekmoor and often have guest speakers. Upcoming ones include The Wardrobe Foundation, a Dorset charity which provides quality used clothing to women in need of clothing support, in such places as women’s refuges, care homes and food banks, personalised for example for women needing clothes for a job interview.

Email sipoole@btinternet.co.uk, website sipoole.org.uk, Facebook Soroptimist International Poole.