Y.W.C.A.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19878, 20 February 1920, Page 7

Y.W.C.A.

The National Education Council of the F’.AV.C.A. has taken up the scheme 01 providing colleges for girls belonging to families whose finances consist of weekly wages. The broadening com munity life of a college is of great advantage to girls belonging to more wealthy folk.

Quite recently a more detailed preliminary draft scheme of the college has been drawn up by the Y.W.C A. One of the post significant points ot this scheme is that relating to the governing body of the college;— "The governing body of the college shall bo formed on a democratic basis, and shall consist of representatives of the following:—

“ (a) M orking people’s organisations. “(b) The Y.'W.C.A. “ (c) Former students of the college (as soon as possible). .“(d) Universities, especially those with which the college is closely associated.

“(0) Organisations and individuals giving scholarships to tho college. “ The principal of tho college shall be ex officio a member of the poverniu o ' body.”

The work of the college cannot, of course, be identical with the three years’ course taken" by women at the universities, as in genera] students will not remain more than one year. The curriculum will, however, be varied, and every effort will be made to suit the needs of individual students. A most practical rule is that which ensures that:—“ The work of the house will bo shared by all, the students undertaking the lighter duties for a short time each day. The household staff will, therefore, be a small one, consisting mainly of a. competent cook-house-keeper, with whatever visiting or part tinio help she may require.” The college for working women, if the generosity of those interested enable such a. scheme to be realised, should prove a most interesting experiment, says a. waiter in the “ Queen.” Nothing quite like it has ever been tried before in this country, and it is a scheme which richly deserves the attention and support, of all who have the educational welfare of their sister women at heart.”