The Euphrasia Training Centre for disadvantaged girls and women was founded in Nairobi, Kenya in 1990 in response to the need that became apparent in the course of several meetings and consultations in the area. Mrs Mary Kimani, a retired probation officer spoke of the problems the young girls and women faced in different slum areas. She gave a challenge that struck deep in the hearts of the Sisters, “What is the Church prepared to do for these women in prostitution and what happens when the children start imitating their mothers?”

This challenge led to the initiation of the Euphrasia Women's Centre which reaches out to women from the 7 slums in the surrounding area. The holistic approach comprises of human growth and spiritual development, value formation, skills training and income generating projects. The course takes two years.  A few volunteers from the American Women Association come to the center once a week to teach English and general knowledge.   After some months of training, the young women are able to earn from the articles they make.  

The space at the Centre is limited. However, over 70 young women are
involved - some in training and some producing a variety of products such as sisal baskets, floppsy dolls, cards, embroidered tableware, bead jewellery and clothing made from traditional Kenyan fabrics. 

Here some of the women at the Centre tell what it has meant to their lives:

Agnes says:   I had lost hope when my mother died.  We were left orphans, five of us.  Life was not easy but with the help of relatives, I finished class 8.  I could not get any other help from them. I learnt of the Good Shepherd Sisters with whom I spoke about my disappointments in life.  That time, I was working as a maid.  I am the eldest and I often would cry when I think of what our life would be.  Now, I feel happy and hopeful.  With the training I have received, I hope to get a job and assist my brother and sisters to have a better future.