Indonesia, Maria Droste Centre, Jakarta
The Maria Droste Centre is situated in Kampung Sawah, on the outskirts of Jakarta and offers employment to about 200 women. The project members include The Betawi, who are the indigenous people of the Jakarta area and who, over the past couple of centuries, have been pushed out of their former lands to the fringes of the city. The other women come from many different parts of Indonesia, including Flores, Ambon and Java. Although they belong to various religions - Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist - they all get along very peacefully together.
In 1998 the Good Shepherd Sisters initiated the project to support the women in their efforts to earn money for their families. The economic crisis in Indonesia had led to the impoverishment of many of the families.
The women are now making chicken potholders, Christmas cards, cards and gift bags from handmade paper, key holders from beads and a number of other bead items e.g. rosaries, bags, tissue holders, purses and necklaces.
Here is a selection of their products
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