Eugene manages IT training, and highlighted some of the classes available at the Mercy Centre in Berea, South Africa to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade (JCFAT) delegation. Photo: Mercy Sisters.
Last month, members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade (JCFAT) visited Eastern and Southern Africa to review the impact of Ireland’s aid programme. The Committee visited South Africa to see how Irish Aid programmes are supporting women’s empowerment, as well as build on key trade, tourism and business relationships between Ireland and South Africa. The delegation was accompanied by Ambassador of Ireland to South Africa Liam MacGabhann, and was headed by Chairman of the JCFAT, Pat Breen, and included two other members, Dan Neville, T.D. and Senator Jim Walsh.
The Mercy Sisters welcomed Ambassador MacGabhann, and the JCFAT delegation to the Mercy Centre in Berea. The centre provides temporary accommodation and skills training to homeless women to gain their independence, and seek employment. Located in Berea, a suburb east of central Johannesburg, the centre is achieving great success empowering women. During a meeting with the sisters, Ambassador MacGabhann and the JCFAT delegation discussed what is being done by Irish congregations to respond to the needs of local communities.
Some of the ladies from the centre showcased their baking skills by serving tea and fruit cake, which they found was the Ambassador’s favourite dessert. The staff at the centre took the opportunity to highlight some of the programmes that are helping people transform their lives. Eugene who manages IT training spoke passionately about the classes available, and he shared some examples of students making excellent progress. The delegation also visited the sewing class, which is one of the most popular classes amongst female students.
The delegation was impressed with the great work being done at the centre, and was pleased that funding from Irish Aid is being well spent.
Prior to South Africa, the JCFAT visited Malawi to see how how Irish Aid is empowering thousands of Malawians to overcome poverty and malnutrition. Their visit also provided the opportunity to meet with senior Malawian government officials, including Vice President Chilima.