27 Apr 2021

Borotsi ward in Tonota has partnered with St. Bridget Catholic Church on a skill transfer project geared towards empowering the unemployed. 

In an interview with BOPA Councillor for Borotsi Ward, Mr Neo Sefumo said the project was part of poverty alleviation effort as the community could not rely solely on government handouts. 

The training has attracted 12 learners, most of whom were employees of Ipelegeng. 

The classes, held at St. Bridget Catholic Church, provide the trainees with the skills to produce bracelets, wristbands, earrings and other products using materials such as calendars, brochures, fliers, glue, fish line, vanish, among others.

Cllr Sefumo said the intension was to find a place where products would be displayed and put on sale and the proceeds shared as salaries among the members.

On the other hand, he noted that Tonota Sub-district Council promised to assist them penetrate local and international market, an attribute that would motivate them to produce in large quantities.

The learners were urged to work together after training to improve production as there was an Indian native who also promised to connect them with the foreign market. 

Mr Sefumo said his desire was to see the project extended to other wards in  the village. 

For her part, Sister Reverent Mary Asoebo said the vision of the project was to empower unemployed women and men.

 “It is a form of employment to the unemployed,” she said.

Sister Asoebo, who is the trainer, said she organised some women to learn from her and be able to fend for themselves afterwards.

She said that they needed initial capital to start their businesses and it was advised that they approach entities such as Local Enterprise Authority, Citizen Entrepreneurial Authority, Youth Development Fund and others for business plans and financial support. 

Meanwhile, Reverend Father Anthony Kornu said self-employment was not a wasted effort, noting that government alone could not create jobs.

One of the trainees, Ms Kebonye Selome said as an unemployed citizen, she found it be-fitting to attend the training in order to enhance her life.

Her intention, she said, was to move forward and start fending for herself at the same time moving away from the dependency syndrome.

She said it was a form of recreational activity and at the same time would be enable her to afford her children. ends