The Churches of Christ in Malawi Women's Guilds have teamed up with the United Reformed Church (URC) Mersey synod to provide training and support for women that will help them realise their full potential and share the gospel within their communities.

A large centre has been planned at Blantyre that will help them deepen their faith and provide them with support and healing. The centre - called a chitsime or 'well' - will give them a sense of belonging in the community and teach them vocational skills that will enable them to support themselves.

It is hoped that the women will be inspired to share the gospel through their positive learning experiences at the centre.

The project is just one of a number of initiatives to be supported by the Mersey synod of the URC.

The URC's special partnership with the Churches of Christ in Malawi has been formed under the umbrella of the URC's Belonging to the World Church programme.

Training on offer at the centre includes domestic management and trade skills that will help women to make their own income. These include training on how to run a catering service for weddings and baptisms, sewing, knitting, growing crops, animal husbandry and growing flowers.

Adult literacy classes will be provided for the women, as well as training on HIV and AIDS. They will also have access to legal and financial advice.

The centre will offer a comprehensive package of services tailored to meet the needs of women in Malawi, including pre-school nurseries, counselling, self-help groups and opportunities for encouragement in the faith through Bible study, choir singing, drama, prayer and worship.