KARMA
WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT CENTER
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Karma Women’s Development Center’s (KWDC) mission is to empower women youth and disabled people to acquire a
tangible skill, utilize their talent and grow spiritually to improve their social economic situation.
Economically empowered women effectively influence their life, their family and their community for positive social changes.
KARMA: VINE OF GRAPES
Like the vine which supplies food to the grape, similarly,
KWDC is the vein to diffuse knowledge (skills) to the participants to produce fruit.
• Hairstyling
• Baking
• Sewing
• Marketing
• Makeup Artist
• Leadership
KWDC is on the fifth floor (no elevator) of the Third Evangelical Church at El Minya, Egypt
El Minya is ~350 km (220 mi) south of Cairo on the western bank of the Nile .
The name is derived from its Ancient Egyptian name Men'at Khufu, meaning the “nursing city of Khufu”, linking it to the Pharaoh Khufu or Cheops, builder of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
Elevation = 47 m (154 ft); Population 5.6 million (2nd most populous city in Egypt)
Minya is dubbed by the locals "Bride of Upper Egypt",
in reference to its strategic location in Middle Egypt as
a vital link between the north and the south of Egypt.
Minya has one of the highest concentrations of Coptic Christians in Egypt (~ 50% of total population).
Learning a skill creates confidence, inspiration,
empowerment and freedom
Location _______________________________________________________
Help in Facilitating Attendance ___________________________________
Although KWDC is strategically located to accommodate many neighboring villages and towns, it is still difficult for many to travel, find alternative childcare and dedicate the required days especially if the training is longer than one day.
Therefore, the center, within reason, will attempt to accommodate individuals to facilitate attendance through:
• Transportation services
• Childcare services
• Provide Drinks and snacks for students & children
• Adhere to class offering and schedule
Personal and Spiritual Growth ___________________________________
Most of the attendees come small villages and have had to endure degradation, disrespect and battery from family, relatives & the community. Such pervasive fear and feelings of helplessness is natural but can be inhibitive to becoming effective in society.
Thus, “Spiritual” events (e.g. churches, religious gatherings or self-help classes) are encouraged for emotional wellbeing ---
a path to gain confidence, friendships, faith and self-esteem.
To gain confidence, friendships, faith and self-esteem, seminars
and spiritual events are conducted to include:
• Counseling
• Gender equality
• Empowerment and Social skills
• The woman and community
• Violence against woman
• Authority, power and empowerment
• Women Leadership
2019 KWDC Curriculum __________________________________________
For Women and Young Adults
Sewing...........................10 classes with a minimum of 10 students
Hair Style..........................8 classes with a minimum of 20 students
Makeup Artist...................4 classes with a minimum 0f 20 students
New! Bakery......................2 classes with a minimum of 10 students
Raising chickens...................Via agriculture department as needed
• Microbusiness Concepts, Marketing & Funding —
included with each class
• Spiritual and empowerment discussions —
included with each class
For Youth
Positive Education.............2 classes with a minimum of 40 students
Writing Proposal....................1 class with a minimum of 20 students
English Language.............2 classes with a minimum of 25 students
For Kids
Drawing and Painting............1 class with a minimum of 16 students
English...................................1 class with a minimum of 16 students
Ballet......................................1 class with a minimum of 16 students
Hand Crafts.............................1 class with a minimum of 8 students
Education Skills.......................1 class with a minimum of 8 students
• 123 students since inception
• 44 started microbusinesses
Interesting Fact: many students are in the 46-50 age range!
