Mafeteng __ The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development is currently holding a series of gatherings with local leaders in preparation of launching Phase two of the Economic Inclusion Programme at Metsi-Maholo Community Council in July at the date to be announced soon.

In an interview with the Agency, the District Senior Welfare Officer Mr. Bernard Mokhachane said the initiative is for the local leaders to cough out their views on how the ministry operates in the first phase and pave way forward.  

He highlighted that the programme forms part of initiatives to create jobs for unemployed youth while at the same the creating platforms for vulnerable households to improve their livelihoods through engaging in businesses of their choice.

Mr. Mokhachane indicated that the three-year programme which is intended for vulnerable groups of society will phase out in April 2027 was launched in April last year in Maseru, saying even though it is intended for vulnerable groups they are also expected to apply and they are targeting six hundred beneficiaries as the first phase one approved four hundred while the overall target is one thousand vulnerable households.

He explained that the main objective is to help vulnerable households and youth to improve their livelihoods through engaging in businesses of their choice, clarifying that beneficiaries comprises youth, disabled people and vulnerable households whereby they will be provided with once off M5, 400.00 and said the first group is already engaged in income generating projects while the ministry has to monitor progress being made.

The District Senior Welfare Officer indicated that the programme is implemented with the assistance of Catholic Relief Services whereby they are expected to coach beneficiaries on how best they could sustain their businesses, saying some of the beneficiaries are already engaged in business.

The Department of Social Development is mandated in ensuring welfare of vulnerable groups of society that include the elderly, vulnerable households, the disabled persons and others through provision of grants being offered either quarterly or monthly basis.