By Septimus Senessie in Kono
Handicap International has donated start-up kits to 31 physically challenged and vulnerable trainees after completing a year-long skills-training exercise in various vocations at the Konomusu skills-training centre in Koidu.
The kits include sewing machines, assorted bread baking materials, hair dressing kits, soap-making levers, carpentry, weaving and ceramics-making materials worth millions of leones.
The Livelihood Project Manager for Handicap International, Benedict John-Simbo said the four-year project, which started in 2011, was funded by European Union to enhance the livelihood of the less-privileged and physically-challenged people in the country. He encouraged the trainees to make good use of the kits, urging them to stop begging on the streets.
The Social Inclusion and Rights coordinator, Aude Bumbacher, expressed delight at the successful completion of phase one of the project, noting the future impact of the project on the beneficiaries. She urged them to go strictly by the agreement they had signed.
The skills training officer, Fred Joe Feika said he was convinced his trainees would make a very good use of the kits after an intensive training on business planning, implementation and management. He warned them against selling the kits.
Bondu Kaimotor, a widow with five children, trained in embroidery, thanked Handicap International for “restoring out dignity” in society and promised to make good use of the kits and the knowledge.
(C) Politico 31/10/13
