THE Salvation Army Home League recently staged its annual exhibition and rally at Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, presenting yet another opportunity for showcasing talent and creativity, through a fascinating display of items of craft produced by the women. Under the guidance and direction of  Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Major Carolinda Cumberbatch, Officers of the Salvation Army work along with women drawn from about 10 Corps (Worship Centres) around Guyana, empowering them to become independent, self- sufficient and addressing their needs through a broad range of innovative programmes.

Through its Home Leagues, the Salvation Army reaches out, not only to its female members, but women throughout the communities, expanding their horizons, deepening insights and sharpening skills.  

By this means, hundreds of women have been empowered to take charge of their lives, become better parents and to become self-sufficient in various ways.  They are taught creativity and ingenuity and to realise their God-given potential – bringing credit to themselves and the Salvation Army as a whole.

Throughout the year, home leagues meet once per week for spirited and interesting sessions: learning family dynamics, health and educational topics; food and nutrition, honing their skills in interior decoration, dressmaking; craft construction; floral, crochet, needlework and a host of other skills including budgeting, the art of financial management and techniques of fund-raising.

Home League Rallies and Exhibitions are usually held in the month of October, and towards the end of the year, provide a fun-filled and spirited forum for the members to come in keen rivalry and healthy competition to showcase what they have produced during the year.   
       
Another feature of the yearly rally, is the crowning of the Home League ‘top fund raiser’ Queen, who, on behalf of her home league would have raked in the ‘best purse’ which is used towards the work of the Salvation Army in the division.

The programme this year, was divided into three components, namely:   The Divisional Queen Rally Competition; a Baby Shower Competition and the Craft exhibition and competition:

Winners of the Queen Rally Competition were as follows:  
      
*     1st    Georgetown Citadel Corps
*     2nd    East Street/ Queenstown Corps
*     3rd    Mahaicony Corps

The Baby Shower Competition:

*     1st    East La Penitence Corps
*     2nd    Georgetown Citadel
*     3rd   Linden Corps

The Craft Exhibition

*     1st    Linden Corps
*     2nd    Wismar
*     3 East Street/Queenstown