For the women, by the women

Cradled in a seat of nature and away from the din of traffic, the elegant exterior of Bhatkal Womens Centre is a refreshing sight for onlookers. Turning ideas into a wealth of opportunities for women, Sahifa SM, a former student and teacher at the Bhatkal Women Centre, takes a closer look at how Bhatkalli women are looking forward to a better future. Bibi Khadija Kazi comes across as a gracious and pioneering woman who believes in giving back to the people of Bhatkal. Having lived in Los Angeles (USA) for most of her life, her love for the small town is an exemplary example of how NRIs have contributed to the social and economic development of Bhatkal by creating a shared ecosystem for happiness and better living. Having created the Bhatkal Women Centre, she comes across as a trailblazer who sees opportunities in the face of challenging times. The Centre has quickly grown to become a home away from home for young women and children who have associated with innovative activities and events. Speaking with Bhatkallys.com, Bibi Khadija said, "I thank Allah for helping me make Bhatkal Womens center a success story and I pray that it will always be a place that benefits all the women in Bhatlal regardless of their different backgrounds." Be it losing weight at the Centre’s gym where a friendly trainer guides you or cooking up a healthy meal at the kitchen – there is something for everyone at the Centre. Detox juices, beauty treatments, wardrobe planning or henna designing, choose your pick and walk into the centre to indulge in a vastly different experience. “I started my journey in BWC a couple of years back. It’s a good place to work at where you are loved, respected and appreciated. Customers have been very kind to me and I hope to see more good things coming my way in future”, said Farah Riyaz Shaikh, the beautician at BWC.  Every month, I take a trip to the BWC beautician and take a seat to relax at the hands of a professional beautician who works her magic in a hygienic and comfortable setting. It is a relaxing experience and one can opt for a manicure, pedicure or waxing. Not to forget the expert stylists who can help you plan your wardrobe at the BIBI fashion boutique where you can find a perfect outfit to wear at special occasions . Not only that, you can even approach the BIBI tailor and design your own outfit. All these within the Shariah parameters. The Centre regularly hosts workshops and classes on a wide selection of topics, ranging from cooking, stitching, henna design to beautician courses. The BWC also provides a platform to Bhatkal women who can exhibit their talent at an annual talent showcase. Whether you are a great chef, a fashion designer or home entrepreneur, participation is open to all. For younger children, the ‘Bibi Montessori' is the first of its kind early learning centre in Bhatkal. Helping little ones discover a new world of knowledge. Based on the American curriculum, the young ones are taught to read and write and given extra-curricular activities, which teach them to differentiate between colours, shapes and pictures. SN Khiyal, a parent said, “We are blessed to have such an institution in our town and the work done at this centre is highly commendable. You can walk in and see the good facilities provided by a reliable team who believe in giving their best to create a future generation of learners who can serve our community, town and country.” The educational activities at the centre were much appreciated by the local community and an overwhelming demand from parents led to the Montessori’s expansion to kindergarten last year. Having been a teacher at the Bhatkal Women’s Centre, when I was introduced to the kindergarten students, I was amazed to see well trained and disciplined four year olds who knew how to form and walk in a straight line or read out rhymes and supplications without forgetting. Thrice a week, the Centre provides paid lunch to the students, which trains them to eat their food with their own hands, without making a mess out of it. “My daughter Haya started going to Bibi Montessori two months back and I must say that I have made the right decision for my child because I see her having a good time at the Centre. The teachers are dedicated and they help little kids learn new things in a playful atmosphere. What I like the most is the echoes of poems and duas that come from my little girl throughout the day,” said Farzana Abdurrahman. Once a month they are taken to field trips to learn and discover a world outside their school and homes. I have seen them jumping out of excitement every time they were informed about the field trips. They are taken to various places in Bhatkal, be it a beach house, a hotel, a nursery, a restaurant, the post office or the police station. Every month, a day is solely dedicated to teach the kids activities in an innovative fun setting. Classes are decorated with a single colour, say yellow and parents are informed to send their kids wearing yellow outfits. This day is celebrated as yellow day and the day is spent learning about various things coloured in yellow. Interestingly, the food cooked on that day is also of the same colour. Kids are taught to make sandwiches, or to cut a paper neatly, taught traffic rules or to brush their teeth on their own. To keep them fit and fine, basic workouts are introduced. On sports day, one may find tiny little kids running on a straight path, balancing a book on their heads and playing lemon and spoon. The toddlers are made to play easier games. Whether it’s arranging shapes according to the colours or throwing balls in a bucket placed at a distance, mothers are invited to watch their little ones play gleefully. Doctors from various cities are invited to give special talks and advise women on health issues and a homely ambiance encourages women to ask health queries. Heena S.M., a teacher at the Centre, said, “This Centre is a complete package for the welfare and development of women in Bhatkal and we the women of Bhatkal are lucky to benefit from such a successful Centre that entirely focuses on the betterment of women and children in Bhatkal.” (A special feature for the Bhatkallys News Service)