Association educates women on use of electricity

LONDON. — Many a woman, especially if she lives alone, does not know what to do about the sudden failure of a plug, or an iron, or other electrical gadgets.

Many feel that electrical appliances are too complicated for them, or too dangerous to investigate.

And there are those who throw away electrical implements with years of service ahead of them because they do not realise that a simple repair is all that is needed.

Forty years ago, the Electrical Association for Women was formed in Britain. Among other things, its aim was to dispel lack of self-confidence and ignorance.

At the beginning of the month, the association held its ruby celebration. A reception at Guildhall was attended by the Queen Mother.

The association is a daughter of the Women’s Engineering Society, which was formed in 1919. The latter, however, was concerned with promoting the training of professional women engineers.

The EAW came into existence to encourage the domestic use of electricity. The fi rst of its present 245 branches was in Glasgow, where the association soon showed its worth.

In 1926, it was asked to prepare a syllabus on domestic electricity for schools, and shortly afterwards electrical and domestic science courses were given to London polytechnics and colleges.

The educational aspects of the association’s work has continued and expanded.

Today, an excellent range of teaching aids and courses is available for schools and adult evening classes, in which the far from esoteric mysteries of modern domestic appliances are simply but effectively revealed.

The association also conducts certificates and diploma courses in Electrical Housecraft for teachers, and trains women for careers as demonstrators and housecraft advisers.

The association’s advisory services are in demand at various levels.

To the housewife, it offers advice on electrical appliances, not only in regard to quality and performance, but also in relation to the planning of the home and lay-out of a room.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

◆ The use of electricity and gadgets that work on electricity make life easier, but more importantly, knowing how to use and maintain the gadgets makes life more convenient.

◆ Knowing how to fix things in the home especially for single women saves time and money. ◆ Electricity companies and those that deal with electrical appliances will do well to set up training sessions and modules for their clients especially women.

For historical information contact: Zimpapers Knowledge Centre at Herald House on:

+263 8677 004323; +263 0242 795771