-Clubs urged to be self-reliant

Clubs urged to be self-reliant

Mkushi, April 16, 2013, ZANIS—Mkushi based community clubs that benefit from government poverty reduction assistance have been advised to scale up self reliance efforts.

Deputy Minister for Community Development Mother and Child Health Dorothy Kazunga said this  during her visit to Mkushi district recently.

In reference to women and youth clubs that benefited from government empowerment schemes such as those under the ministry of gender in development (GID) and the poverty reduction program, the deputy minister stressed the need for prudent management of resources .

Mrs Kazunga said that there was need for members to manage the clubs with an ambition of graduating the projects into self reliant income generating ventures.

She reiterated Government’s commitment towards reducing poverty in the communities explaining that this was evidenced by the various poverty reduction interventions that were being implemented through the community development department under her ministry.

Mrs Kazunga pointed out that it was important for the clubs to understand that government assistance is aimed at providing the foundation on which the benefiting clubs can build through prudent management and hard work.

She said that it was therefore imperative for beneficiaries of such assistance to appreciate the long term benefits that were presented by government poverty reduction assistance.

The deputy minister  advised women and youth clubs in the district to consult community development Officers on technical expertise such as resource mobilization as well as enterprise skills. 

She said coupled with community development programs government had been consistent in mitigating poverty for vulnerable persons through the Social welfare department dealing with public welfare assistance.

Mrs Kazunga  also mentioned that the PF Government was making frantic efforts to improve access to social services for the physically challenged, mothers and children in rural areas.

She said that apart from cushioning the impact of poverty in vulnerable communities, government was eager to effect interventions that ensured the general well being of mothers and children.

Amongst the projects visited were Twesheko Women’s Club, Donata Disabled Children School, and  Maranatha Children Center.

She also visited Mkushi District Hospital and the new hospital construction Site.

ZANIS / ENDS / CM / CSB—DRY PIX