07 May 2019

Women Institute (WI) in Francistown has come up with initiatives geared towards improving livelihoods.

Established in 1955 as a fellowship and a meeting point for women of all ages, WI worked closely with hospitals, social workers, faith organisations and ward development communities.

The institute’s secretary, Dr Samba Nyirenda, said in an interview recently that a zeal to make a difference in the lives of fellow human-beings inspired formation of the organisation.

“The fellowship inspires and supports community initiatives, raises awareness about breast and other types of cancer, supports health care workers and people living with cancer.

Some of the one-time projects have been helping people living with disability, assisting with educational projects and providing overnight kits for the police to use for customers,” Dr Nyirenda said.

She stated that besides supplying sanitary towels to schools in Francistown, the organisation donated braille equipment to Lephoi Centre for visually impaired.

In 2018, they supported Tshimologo Red Cross Stimulation Centre by creating a safe play ground with shade netting and supplied top up monthly groceries.

The fellowship also assisted Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital with hand knitted blankets during winter and light receiving blankets in summer for new born babies and infants as well as cloth nappies annually.

The institute also hosted yearly events such as sponsored knit, Breast Cancer Awareness and December Carols by candlelight.

Dr Nyirenda said unfortunately the organisation lost members due to relocations; something she said was a serious challenge.

”Losing members disadvantages the fellowship mission to take services to the communities. We need more members to cover a lot of ground,” she said.

At the moment, Francistown Women Institute, she said, was 100 per cent volunteerism fellowship with a total of 22 paid up female members. 

To be a member one has to part with P150 and attend at least three WI meetings. ends