07 Dec 2017

At least 56 beneficiaries, including four men, have completed training in jewellery making, courtesy of St Augustine Roman Catholic Parish in Maun.

The three-months training course was facilitated by the church missionary sisters as part of their corporate social responsibility in collaboration with the Department of Cooperatives. The graduates have formed a group called Re Mmogo Support Group. 

Merchandise made by the group include a variety of necklaces, bangles, bracelets and earrings.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries, deputy district commissioner, Ms Angelinah Leano commended the church for ensuring that government’s objectives and initiatives were achieved.

She said when the current government assumed power in 2014, they pledged amongst others to eradicate abject poverty and create employment, adding that it should be appreciated to see organisations complementing government efforts in the massive task. 

In addition, she revealed that it was worrying as unemployment amongst communities contributed to the current state of poverty, citing Ngamiland District as one of the districts which was hard hit.

“To add salt to injury, the district has been besieged by natural disasters such as floods and livestock diseases amongst others. All these have had a negative impact on our economy and households were hard hit,” she added.

Ms Leano acknowledged efforts by the missionary sisters, noting that since they came to Maun in 2008, they had been involved in charitable activities aimed at uplifting the lives of the community, especially vulnerable groups such as orphans and the sick.

She also praised the church for involving the Department of Cooperatives which equipped trainees  with the basics and importance of forming a cooperative.

In other countries, she noted that cooperatives were the backbone of the economy, hence the need to strive to establish strong cooperatives locally in order to take the country to greater heights.

Ms Leano challenged the Re Mmogo Support Group to consider converting the group into a cooperative and pledged support of the cooperative office to guide, coach and mentor the group. She also urged the district leadership to ensure the success of the project.

For his part, an official from the cooperatives office, Mr Donald Masalila urged the support group to elect an interim committee which would fasttrack the formation of the cooperative. 

He emphasised the need to work as a group in order to produce marketable goods, adding that cooperatives were ideal to grow businesses. Mr Masalila said he would also work with relevant departments including Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) to assist in the accessibility of the market.

Sister Bernadette McCarthy said the church has been implementing a number of humanitarian and charitable activities in collaboration with the Missionary Sisters since 2008.

She said they started with children as they realised that they were in need of support, adding that they approached the leadership and parents and mobilised children. 

“The church ensures that children on treatment adhere to their medication and do regular check ups, provides psycho-social support and couselling,” explained Sister McCathy.

She said they realised that that was not enough as their aim was to restore dignity amongst communities and then engage parents and caregivers to equip them with business skills so that they could provide a holistic support to their families.

Sister McCarthy said they believed trainees would apply the knowledge and skills acquired to start successful projects. ENDS