Facilities

Main building with office and classrooms

Kassab Women’s Center

Kassab Women’s Center was established in July 2007. The facility began as two large canvas tents within     a semi-secure compound. In Spring 2010, the Center was moved to a neighboring building left empty by        IRC when they left the camp. Throughout the spring and summer months, DPDO renovated the Center and  made it into a welcoming space for women to work, learn and socialize. The new Center has two large  buildings, one with  3 classrooms and an office, the second a large work area. It also has two secure storage areas and a large water tank. The women are planning trees and vegetables (during the rainy season) within the compound.

Storage shed and meeting area

Office in Kassab Women's Center

Abu Shouk Women’s Center   Operations suspended  29 March 2011

Abdallah, Guard

Security

Both of the Women’s Centers are  secure compounds with guards. The guards are  responsible for keeping track of who is coming and going at the Centers and making sure no one enters without permission. Registered weavers have ID badges and other women coming to the Center for training or classes  sign in on an attendance sheet.

Supplies

Blanket distribution, Kassab

DPDO provides Women’s Center managers with monthly allowances to buy tea, sugar, refreshments, weaving materials, and other supplies for the Centers. They purchase these supplies in local markets. Periodically, DPDO receives in-kind donations of personal supplies and distributes them to the women. These in-kind donations have included blankets, flashlights, soaps and lotions, and tobes (the long, colorful garments that women wear).

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