Over 277 households benefit from SLED in 2018 

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, December 6, 2018

More than 277 households have benefitted from income generating activities under the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2018. An estimated 1,264 persons including women, young people and entrepreneurs are the beneficiaries.

During the 2019 budget debates Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally told the National Assembly that in 2018, $150Million was budgeted towards the programme and 33 projects were identified in various regions.

“Areas of business include poultry rearing, pig rearing, farming, garment construction, manufacturing outlets, preservation of fruits, making of jams and jellies, salted fish processing, shade house cultivation, women’s empowerment training, block making and leather craft production,” Minister Ally explained.

In 2019, the Ministry of Social Protection is expanding the programme with the allocated sum of $250Million. Minister Ally said this is necessary since the programme has positively impacted households. She boasted that under her ministry via SLED, residents in the communities of Akawani, Pomeroon, Chenapa, Hiawa, Moco Moco, Aranaputa and Aishalton were empowered.

“We are investing more into this initiative because of the positive impact that the programme is having on households as well as communities as a whole, we are transforming people’s lives. Many who could not sustain themselves and families can now do so, the figures and the evidence are clear.”

The SLED Programme along with the Ministry’s Women of Worth (WOW) and People of Worth Entrepreneurial Resources (POWER) loan programmes, will continue to provide funding to persons targetted for various business start-up ventures in the ten administrative regions of Guyana, Minister Ally reaffirmed.  The Ministry’s goal she stated is to ensure the  programmes assist in reducing dependency on the social safety net.

Ranetta La Fleur.

Image: Jameel Mohamed.