Launch of Somali women’s development project

Progressive MP Matt Robson tonight launched the Women’s Development Project of the South Island Somali Association at Wharenui Primary School in Riccarton.

“I’m proud to support the women of the Somali community who came up with the idea and planned the project. By buying sewing machines and producing clothes, you are doing bigger things than just gaining textile industry skills. The Project will be an evolving process where women have input into the learning process,” Matt Robson told the gathering.

“You are aiming to get Somali women into employment, providing opportunities for personal development, and helping to integrate the Somali community into Christchurch society.

“That will lead in turn to healthier families, better jobs and better finances,” said Matt Robson.

The Women’s Development Project is one of a range of South Island Somali Association activities. Overall their purpose is for the community to help itself by learning working and growing together so all members can be active participants in Christchurch society. That’s impressive for people from a war-torn land who as new New Zealanders are making a positive contribution to their new country.

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>