3 NGOs got a total of Rs 2.25 million

Three cheques amounting to a total of Rs 2.25 million were handed to three associations by the minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mireille Martin on Monday in Port Louis.

These are the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Curepipe, the Society for the Welfare of the Deaf and Action Familiale. The objective is to support women and children in distress with a view to enhance their livelihoods and integrate them in society.

Martin stated that her ministry also wants to introduce parents to empowerment programmes so they can get out of the poverty cycle and at the same time prevent break-ups of the family unit. Some 2,200 families are being targeted through this empowerment programme.

Martin further said that it is essential that the money donated by her ministry is used judiciously to improve the living conditions of children and women. “We will follow the projects step by step,” she said.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce of Curepipe received Rs 1 million for its project ‘Men Against Violence’ a programme aimed at improving public awareness about violence against women and girls.

“The Society for the Welfare of the Deaf received Rs 498,300 for a project on the rehabilitation of youngsters with hearing impairment through occupational therapy and vocational training. The aim is also to promote activities for them. Some 75 children / adolescents are being targeted.

Action Familiale received a cheque of Rs 750,000 for a project to prevent domestic violence in vulnerable families.