Silver celebration

Fatima Women's Association celebrate their 25th anniversary. PIC shows committee members, volunteers and staff. Service users sat in background.

AN OLDHAM female organisation that has seen more than 6,000 women through its doors has marked a milestone.

Fatima Women's Association (FWA), on Park Road, held its 25th annual general meeting and celebrated the silver anniversary.

Over the 25 years, FWA has delivered more than 500 projects such as English classes, maths and English GCSEs, skills for employment and creative English and also provided support and advice, sign-posting women.

Many people have gained education, training and qualifications from FWA.

FWA began in 1991 when a few local women from the BME community got together and set up sewing classes in a home. They then moved into a nursery and opened the sewing classes to the wider community. Shortly after FWA registered as a charity and applied for funding from Oldham Council.

They were successful in obtaining the funding and grew from there. Over the years FWA has been funded by BBC Children in Need, Henry Smith and many other funders.

Vice chairman Farzana Aziz said: "Times have been difficult especially to secure funding for the organisation to continue but due to the tireless work and commitment of all involved, we have been successful to continue with our valued work serving the community."