19 Mar 2013

The main objective of poverty eradication workshops is not to hand over projects but to equip and empower the beneficiaries with basic life skills, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dr Gloria Somolekae has said.

Dr Somolekae has told Parliament that such skills covers mind set change, business planning, costing and pricing, quality assurance, product packaging and branding, effective marketing and sales strategies, basic financial literacy and financial management, the value and processes of networking and clustering.

She stated that the workshops are short, targeted and participatory, noting that the interests of participants inform content and focus of training.

Following the workshops, beneficiaries she said are enrolled in more technical programmes where necessary in order to ensure that they have sufficient skills to manage their enterprises.

She said it is always their expectation that once this phase is completed, the participants can start their projects.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister to state the number of projects handed over and their respective costs at the events that were held in Diphuduhudu, Sehunou and Struizendam. ENDS