Over 150 women in Siansowa area of Sinazongwe district in Southern province have graduated from a savings program under Development Aid from People to people’s ( DAPP’s) Total Control of the Epidemic (T.C.E) project.
Government in collaboration with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) spent over K 590 987 in the project.
Speaking during the ceremonyin Siansowa , Sinazongwe District commissioner Protacial Mulenga said government is committed to empowering vulnerable groups in society as enshrined in the 7th National Development plan.
He said the program is a step forward in accelerating efforts towards the attainment of vision 2030 which is eliminating H.I.V/AIDS without leaving anyone behind.
Mr. Mulenga said the government will continue to partner with the private sector and other stakeholders as well as create an enabling environment for such programs to continue.
He further commended DAPP for their efforts in empowering the vulnerable as it helps reduce the syndrome of dependency.
” In the past we’ve had a problem with dependency. With programs like these where women are taught how to save and manage finances, poverty and other vices can be eradicated.” Mr Mulenga said.
And speaking at the same event, DAPP division commander Jabez Kanyanda said the program, aimed at fighting H.I.V and AIDS through women empowerment is meant to benefit the vulnerable groups such as widows and orphans in society.
Mr Kanyanda added that it is only when women are empowered that they can stand up for their rights.
“When women are empowered financially, it gives them the power to be able to negotiate issues of sex,” he noted.
Meanwhile Sinazongwe District AIDS Coordination Advisor Chibwili Njoolo says poverty is one of the driving forces to the spread of H.I.V and AIDS as it causes people to indulge in illicit activities.
She added that the Women’s group Savings program is therefore a solution in eradicating the HIV pandemic in the district.
“We want to control H.I.V and AIDS by 2020 and end it by 2030. Through the 90/90/90 fast track project, we want 90 percent of the population tested and ensure that 90 percent of those who are tested access treatment and 90 percent of those who access treatment should have their viral load suppressed. This will only be attained through such interventions”. Ms Njoolo stressed.
DAPP mobilized and trained the first group of women to form clubs and contribute money which they later lend out to other members who pay back at an interest rate of 2 percent.
The program started with 4 clubs in the year 2015 and the number has grown to seven.
You see $60,000 for 150 students. Now can you imagine how many could have used $1,000,000 that we supposedly spent on each fire wheelbarrow?
You need to have a fire in your house to appreciate these fire engines. Pray it will not happen.
You missed the point.No one said these fire tenders are not necessary.It is the price and the manner in which they were acquired.You can google for yourself and check the price, then you will realize that the $1 million was an over inflated price.