FRANCISTOWN: A Catholic church-based organisation has empowered local women, including refugees and illegal immigrants, by transforming rubbish into treasure.

The missionary organisation first arrived in Botswana in 2008. Its first stop was in Maun where it empowered around 350 women.

In an interview with Arts & Culture, Catholic Diocese of Francistown, Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, Reverend Sister Cynthia Nwadike from Nigeria stated that one of their programmes is to empower women by teaching them various craft skills that can help them with their socio-economic development.

Nwadike stated that one of their programmes is an Eco-friendly endeavour in which they develop various home items utilising recycling, reusing, and up-cycling. She stated that the women empowerment initiative collects waste from plastic, bottles, boxes, paper, tins and converts it into commercial items. She stated that the majority of the recycled items are rubbish gathered from local retailers.

“For example, we usually convert the Heineken box into a table organiser with six compartments for stationery. “The table holder is made from recycled paper. Other things include jewellery, baskets and picture frames, to mention but a few,” Nwadike noted.

She stated that the completed items are reasonably priced and sold back to the community. She explained: “All profits generated go to the creator so that they can sustain their livelihoods.”

Nwadike stated that they target impoverished women or anyone who is interested in imparting talents and abilities in order to convey their personality and increase their economic position in the society.

She said: “When we arrived in Botswana 14 years ago, we discovered that many women were under-empowered and faced numerous challenges while playing critical roles in the development of their families.”

“We began providing free training to women in places such as Sehithwa, Mopipi and Makalamabedi. After a few months, more women were able to earn their own money,” she said.

She added that when she was relocated to the Gerald Estate location in 2021, they were able to assist approximately 50 ladies in the area.

She went on to say that she has been reaching out to the Dukwi Refugee Camp. “We assist a network of 120 women and 10 men in the Dukwi Refugee Camp through the empowerment programme”, she explained.

In addition, these women and men who are situated at the Dukwi Refugee Camp, some of whom have lost their families, have suffered tremendous violence and perilous voyages.

She also stated that they have taught 91 women at the Gerald Estate Centre for Illegal Immigrants. Nwadike stated that the project helps them grow their confidence and abilities, which can help them generate revenue.

When asked about their organisation, Nwadike stated that their first aim is to assist and empower the impoverished and marginalised, particularly women and children.

In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Sibonesiwe Gaothobogwe, stated that the women empowerment project had helped her improve her financial situation. She stated that the initiative, which has impacted many lives in their neighbourhood, has also benefited her daughters.