Govt funds civil society projects to aid vulnerable
11.09.2009
The government has provided funding of R500,000 to finance a series of projects by civil society to empower and train the vulnerable sector of the population.
Through this initiative, the Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organisations of Seychelles (Lungos) and the government aim to help disadvantaged citizens – mainly unemployed youths and single mothers – ¬by improving their economic situation. And the projects will allow those who take part to become more independent and self-reliant.
On Wednesday at Care House, Freedom Square, various NGOs and other groups signed an agreement to carry out these economic reform projects.
Present to witness the signings were principal secretary for finance Ahmed Afif, premier conseiller de l’Ambassade de France Gilles Pommeret, Lungos chairman Bernard Elizabeth and heads of Lungos commissions, among others. Mr Elizabeth explained that the projects will include ones concerned with construction workers, women and the environment.
These, he said, will touch vulnerable sectors in society, such as women who cannot seek work because they have no one to look after their children.
Among the 11 projects approved by Lungos, three were presented – a revival of straw crafts by the Association of Seychellois Craftsmen, a construction and building maintenance course by the Association of the Construction and Maintenance Contractors of Seychelles, and training for 200 unemployed youths to empower young men, women and single mothers by the Gender Commission.
All three projects will start this month and will be completed next year.
Mr Elizabeth said many people have been affected by the economic reforms, and the government is giving all sorts of support to encourage citizens to stand on their own two feet.
He explained that Lungos is there to help the vulnerable in society which is why, together with the government, it has seen the need for the empowerment-oriented projects.
“Many women say they cannot seek employment as they do not know where to keep their children, but now with the new project they can learn new skills and they can also bring their children with them to the various workshops,” he said.
He added that these women will be able to learn craftwork, such as how to work with straw materials to make different products.
“After the training they will be well equipped to do the job at home and make a living out of it by selling their products to hotels or at various other outlets,” he said.
Mr Elizabeth said masons and maintenance contractors are concerned about the many foreigners who are now working here. Contractors believe many young men here could do the job but do not have the required skills.
“To address this issue, young people who are interested will be able to follow a course which will not only help to keep money in the country but will provide employment opportunities for them,” he said.
He added that people need to be empowered but they also have to take on the responsibility if they are healthy and capable of working.
“If they learn new skills and get a job, then they will not need welfare assistance,” he said.
He added that many women from the Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation gather at various events to sell locally made food products.
And many people who have good jobs are working part-time with other organisations to get a supplementary income.
Mr Elizabeth said such action by these groups of people who are willing to make a move and contribute towards the economic development of the country is very encouraging, and he called on others to try to do the same.
Talking about the cost of projects, he said Lungos has received R500,000 from the government for the first phase and he hopes it will get more funding in the near future.
“The projects will cost more than R3 million in total, but we have approved only the small ones which will be set up over a short period of time,” he said.
Mr Afif said the government is always willing to assist whenever possible and he hopes this contribution will help Lungos and partners to carry out the projects, which is a very good initiative.