Social Protection Ministry launches developmental programme in underserved communities

The Social Protection Ministry during the past week embarked on a series of development initiatives targeting rural-based underserved communities across Guyana. This undertaking, which seeks to provide capacity-building and employment opportunities for residents of farfetched areas, was dubbed the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme and has been implemented in two communities thus far.
Leading the way was Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, as representatives of her Ministry journeyed to Hiawa Village, Region Nine (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Wednesday last and then to Moco Moco – within the same region – on Thursday to kick start this initiative.
During the first day of her visit, the Minister met with residents and potential beneficiaries in the Hiawa Village so as to iron out details as it relates to the execution and management of a sheep rearing project which was launched as part of the SLED programme.
This project – valued at approximately .3 million – represents the first of its kind in the region and will not only provide the means of sustenance for the dwellers but also makes way for a much needed source of income for families within this area. This project was made possible through collaboration between the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Regional Democratic organs, the Agriculture Ministry and the Social Protection Ministry; all of which will be providing support throughout the duration of the project.
Present during the launch on Wednesday was Andray Pearson, veterinary officer of the GLDA, who will be offering technical guidance to the residents and certify the viability of the land which will sustain the rearing of sheep. Danmattie Sahoy, head of the SLED project, was also in attendance at the meeting to give guidance on the Cooperatives Act.
The SLED sheep rearing project was a welcomed addition to the community and, as such, residents were elated and committed their full support to the efficiency and sustained commitment to the initiative.
Meanwhile, when the SLED programme made its way to Moco Moco on the following day, the village benefited from the installation of a block-making machine which carries a price tag of about million.
While meeting with the residents on Thursday, Minister Ally outlined the goals of the SLED project which aim to provide an avenue for the economic development of groups and communities and zoomed in on ways in which the block-making apparatus will benefit Moco Moco. On that note, she highlighted that the block-making operation is anticipated to provide an opportunity for the development of building skills of residents as well as a means of income for those residing within the community as well.
The residents were tasked with the responsibility of constructing a shed to house the block-making operations as they await the arrival of the machine.
Welcoming the initiative was the Toshao of Moco Moco, George James who complemented the Minister for her efforts to assist the community.
The SLED programme, which is being implemented through the Social Protection Ministry, is a programme which gives grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial ventures.
While in both of the communities, Minister Ally encouraged the beneficiaries to acknowledge the importance of their role in ensuring the success of the newly established SLED project and pledged commitment on behalf of her Ministry to the continued development of the villages and those who reside within the areas.
This marks the first phase of the Social Protection Ministry’s SLED initiative which has paved the way for similar projects to materialise in other underserved communities.