Doing it for yourself

Story: Liz Searle

The Women’s Construction Centre is well known in Burngreave for the DIY courses it offers. Recently partnerships with other local organisations have extended the range of opportunities for women in the community.

I spoke to Shabana Murtaza, Outreach/Courses Organiser at the WCC, who described the work done by learners from two courses, based at Firs Hill School and Fir Vale Enterprise Centre, and teenagers attending the Futureproof training at the WCC.

“After the courses ended, classes were offered the opportunity to continue their learning by working on projects at the Pakistani Advice Centre in Fir Vale. The PAC had requested help in tiling a kitchen area and putting up shelving. Most were able to join in, and the tiling was completed by students from Firshill, Firvale and Futureproof. The women did a fantastic job and the PAC was so impressed that they’ve been asked to come back and do more work!”

Although DIY courses run at the WCC itself, new classes are now being held at other community venues to make access and childcare easier. Some future courses will take place at Whiteways and Pye Bank schools in April (there are still places available!). Shabana adds:

“We always welcome new people, and once people have decided to come to a course, we support them all the way.”

Apart from growing in confidence and gaining new skills, there are more practical benefits to taking DIY classes, as Shabana explained:

“Doing a job yourself is better than having someone do it for you – it’s cheaper, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done a good job. The skills women learn here are something they can take away and use at home.”

The training can also lead to qualifications and open up new career paths – women can become self employed plasterers, plumbers, painters and decorators. If you fancy trying your hand at these skills, but haven’t dared before, now’s your chance!

The course’s current learners said:

Najma:

“It was a really nice group; we all got on well and could have a laugh.

We were really well supported, big thanks to all the tutors, Ros and Shabana. I'm planning to do more courses at the WCC, whatever they've got going!”

Sobia:

“I never did anything like this before, but I wanted to learn how to do repairs at home.”

Almas:

“I wanted to join the first course but it was over-subscribed. At home if anything goes wrong, you don't know what to do, but now I've learnt quite a bit.”

For more information about courses at Women’s Construction Centre, contact Shabana Murtaza on 273 7046.

Upcoming courses:

Introduction to DIY for Women 6 week course at Whiteways School

Construction Skills for Women 13 week course

Introduction to DIY for Men 6 week course

More information on the above courses can be found at https://archive.burngreavemessenger.org.uk