07 Dec 2016

The Grass Roots Building our Wealth (GROW) programme is an economic drive for women in Mabutsane Sub-district.

The programme, which was introduced by Humana People to People, in partnership with the European Union was rolled out to Khonkhwa, Mahotshwane, Keng, Khakhea, Morwamosu, Itholoke, Mabutsane, Kutuku and Sekoma.

Efforts to empower women through business in these areas were bearing fruit, the programme officer Ms Segametsi Mashumba said.  Speaking during the women empowerment workshop in Khonkhwa on recently, she said the mandate of the programme is to assist women in realising their potential skills and develop self-esteem. “We are also mandated to empower women economically where they are organised in small groups and they decide on how they want to raise funds for themselves and do monthly or weekly contributions towards the group,” she explained.

Ms Mashumba also indicated that they rely on a pillar of improving social life of group members with the intention to assist the vulnerable groups by sharing on issues of banking, bookkeeping, and governance.

She said through the programme, they have managed to establish fully operational 34 groups and a total of 302 people.

Furthermore the groups also share survival skills, educational awareness on gender related issues.

Currently the members are well equipped on conflict solving, they have bank accounts and they loan others cash at an interest.

“We are also delighted that these members have their individual small businesses where they make income to sustain their families,” she said. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Thato Tlhakore acknowledged the help she got from the GROW groups, adding that he has worked tirelessly with his fellow group members to build his house.

He said they helped with labour to build a one-roomed house at his plot in Khonkhwa. The 24-year-old said ever since joining the GROW groups, his life has changed for the better as he now has a small kiosk that sells snacks to sustain his life.

The vice chairman of Mabutsane Sub-District council, Mr Keberekile Pule also encouraged the groups to unite to fight poverty.

He expressed gratitude to Humana People to People for the noble programme that does not only alleviate poverty but also instill the spirit of entrepreneurship among the residents.

“Let us unite and build a better community of business people and spread the message of self-reliance to others.  This can only happen when you value your projects and follow your group constitutions at all times,” he advised. ENDS