Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
ONE hundred and twenty women from six villages in Hwange’s Change Ward on Friday received 600 Sasso chicks, feed, fruit trees and netball kit as part of Tilitose Community Project (TCP)’s rural economic empowerment initiative.
TCP chairperson, Mrs Saliwe Njolomole said the project was anchored on three pillars of chicken rearing, fruit tree planting and women’s sport.
“We started off with 600 Sasso chicks and since the project encompasses six villages, 100 chicks were given to every village. We have also acquired feeds through sponsorship from friends,” said Njolomole.
She said the project was crucial in improving livelihoods of women in their rural communities.
“We are expecting these three projects to grow. Sporting is just a recreational aspect, but the Sasso project is a business and was established as an SMME to help improve livelihoods, communities and the nation. We are looking at supporting NDS1 in as far as agriculture and farming is concerned. That is where this project is zeroing in on.”
The project, which was established last year, is the brainchild of Njolomole, a ZBC journalist and radio personality who hails from Change Ward.
“I came up with the idea after travelling the country with other women doing women empowerment. I felt it was also important to look at where I come from.”
She expressed concern over the increase in mental health problems and hoped the sporting initiative they have introduced will help address that challenge.
“Women in rural communities have no place or opportunity to mix and mingle to share ideas. They are busy with chores with no time to relax. So, we are initiating rural sporting activities for women as a therapy to help fight mental health and depression.”
Mr Masauso Phiri, the Matabeleland North Provincial Development Officer, who officiated on behalf of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni applauded the project as life transforming.
“This is a welcome initiative that will go a long way in ensuring sustainability and food security in the home. Such initiatives are in line with Government’s Vision 2030 and the NSD1, which speaks on the development and sustainability of livelihoods. Women are drivers of development and cannot be left out of economic empowerment initiatives.”
Online Reporter