Bethlehem House is an excellent example of the holistic work that the Daughters of Charity do in communities, looking to tackle a number of issues in the same area. Their Women in Development Program entails three main aspects, which further the aims and development of women in the area.
The first are their sponsorship programs, which provides financial support for girls from low socio-economic backgrounds to continue education. 150 students receive support from the centre, with 50 of them attending university, colleges and various technical and vocational training. These are outstanding numbers.
The second prong to the scheme is the saving and credit groups. These provide finances for women to be able to set up businesses in tandem with other households. These businesses include home economics, food preparation and local breweries. This gives the women a way of improving their standards of living and inspires younger women in the area to become entrepreneurs in the future.
Finally, the project teaches skills to women in the area useful for both living and job prospects. This includes embroidery, woodworking and baking. The centre hopes in the future to teach embroidery to many more women, as well as providing new opportunities such as in hairdressing. Bethlehem House is providing brilliant services for a great number of women and are slowly but surely changing gender perceptions and the lives of women in Bonga.