By Sabir Musa

Arua city

National Slum Dwellers Association Arua branch has handed over startup kits to the last set of beneficiaries in the Build Back Better project, funded by Act Together.

This project aimed at addressing impact of Covid-19 on livelihood of slum dwellers is in the closing stage of its first phase in which youth and women groups are trained and given startup kits for livelihood.

The Chairperson of National Slum Dwellers Association Arua branch, Ratib Amaku advised beneficiaries to focus on improving livelihood through the opportunity. “Am appealing to everybody, especially the beneficiaries whether in group or youth, after getting these items, you must put them on use. We want to see the value for money,” he advised.

In this last set of the first phase, 5 beneficiaries were trained in different programs including electrical installation, salon works, tailoring and briquette making. All these received full set of startup kits to easily fit in the market.

Kaza Roho Tujenge Women Group benefited with a machine of making briquette to provide alterative to charcoal use. The group Chairperson, Aisha Omedua says, this will be their contribution in environment protection. “The machine that we have received is environment friendly and it will help the community to see that trees are no longer cut. We are going to use this and sensitize community such that we avoid cutting down of tree in large volume,” she said.

The Female Counselor for Kenya Ward, Molly Ondoru reveals that this support is a contribution to close high unemployment rate in the area. “Our resources as government is meager and we have a lot of programs. I really thank National Slum Dwellers Association for empowering our youths and women groups all over the Central Division,” the Councilor commented.

However, the Secretary for Social Services in Arua City Council, Kalsum Abdu Fadimula challenged leaders to always monitor activities of the beneficiaries to register success. “Quarterly, you need to have time and visit the beneficiaries to see how they are progressing. For us as government, we want to see transformation” she said.

National Slum Dwellers Association Arua branch is implementing the project with funding from Act Together.

COVER PHOTO: Beneficiaries joined by Leaders with their items shortly after receiving them By Sabir Musa