She-AVAL is a project by Faith Christian Church of India, a mission of the Diocese of Missouri, designed to empower Asian Indian women. Registration is now open for women to enroll in classes to learn basic computer skills, fundamentals of programming, software development, and other customized courses.
In Tamil language (spoken in South Asia), the word "Aval" refers to a woman or girl. The Rev. Dr. Clive Samson, pastor at FCCI, says Aval means "something" in Hinduism, and always goes with the faith of a woman as referred to by Jesus in the Gospels.
FCCI received a New Ventures in Community Ministry grant from the Diocese of Missouri in 2023 to fund this program. It was officially launched by Bishop Deon Johnson in February of 2024.
"Almost all Asian Indian women are well-educated and skilled in various fields," Samson says. But he adds that many come to the United States as spouses without a job.
"Particularly at FCCI, we have most women not doing anything other than catering to the needs of the household, like housekeeping and providing childcare, while their husbands work and have all the freedom to do as they like," Samson added. He hopes the AVAL programs will help these women find jobs and support themselves.
Online and in-person vocational training will be available through FCCI. Classes begin in May 2024. To learn more, see the flyer below. Registration is available on the FCCI website.
