A batch of 35 unemployed Social Register of Mauritius eligible beneficiaries received yesterday certificates after completing a five-day induction course on ‘Cooperative Entrepreneurship Development Programme’. The award ceremony was held at the Pamplemousses Youth Centre in the presence of the Minister of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, Mr Alain Wong.
The programme, an initiative of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) and the National Cooperative College (NCC), is part of the activities of the Coordinating Working Group of Pamplemousses. The induction course enabled beneficiaries follow a vocational training as per their interest in various fields, including: Pastry, Massage therapy, food preparation and deserts, footwear, eco-bag making, floral decoration.
In his address, the Minister lauded the initiative which, he emphasised, essentially aims at empowering the SRM eligible beneficiaries and improving their quality of life. He pointed out that the programme will enlighten them regarding a potential career choice and Government will provide the necessary support in their career-related endeavours.
Furthermore, he observed that the beneficiaries now understand the importance of having a job, and having one will allow them to earn and consequently to be financially stable and lead a decent life. On that note, Mr Wong encouraged them to show further determination in their efforts to improve their quality of life and that of their families.
Recalling initiatives such as the Induction Programme, the Minister underlined that Government seeks to dispel stigmatisations that act as barriers against the integration of vulnerable people in the mainstream society. According to him, along with Government’s relentless efforts to support the vulnerable to break the cycle of poverty, it is imperative that they show commitment and motivation to reach their life goals.
Vocational training
The vocational training is conducted by the NCC for 12 sessions of a total of 36 hours. Upon completion of the training, the NEF will act as a facilitator to connect the beneficiaries willing to set up their own business activities to the Mauritius Research Council under the ‘National SME Incubator Scheme’, where they will be counselled on how to develop their idea of doing business, get support to prepare their business plan and benefit from grants to start their small business through incubators.
Source: Government of Mauritius