Arming women with knowledge
At-home education programme aims to promote positive values and attitudes
An education programme enabling women, particularly housewives, to study at their own pace from home was launched yesterday.
The Capacity Building Mileage Programme, developed by the government, Commercial Radio and the Open University, is supported by more than 30 non-governmental organisations and will be open to everyone.
The programme, to be launched on Women's Day on March 8, will run for three years. Students can pick the courses they like and listen to lessons broadcast on Commercial Radio.
Non-compulsory tutorials and seminars will also be available, hosted by the NGOs, which are mostly women's and family groups.
The courses will focus on four areas: financial management, health, practical issues in daily life and interpersonal relationships. An end-of-term paper completes the course.
There are four levels of learning, with each requiring students to complete five courses. A certificate will be presented after completing each level.
The courses have been developed mainly with women in mind. 'The programme seeks to equip women with positive values, attitudes and mindsets,' said Sophie Leung Lau Yau-fun, chairwoman of the Women's Commission.
'The programme is not vocational training. It has no direct relationship with getting employment.'
The programme offered a lot of freedom and flexibility, she said. 'They can just turn on the radio and listen. They don't have to apply or tell anyone about it. They can listen if they want to and whenever they want to.'
Several hundred people were expected to apply for each course, programme co-ordinator Angela Leung said. Each course costs $250 or $350.
Assistance is available for those on welfare or on low incomes.
