The Central Islamic Organ-isation of Guyana (CIOG) has launched a funding programme for projects undertaken by women in rural areas with support from a Canadian NGO.
In a press release the CIOG said it launched ‘Livelihood Development for Rural Women Project’ on Thursday at the Tuschen Old Road Masjid, East Bank Essequibo. It said the project is a joint venture with Human Concern International (HCI) which has already provided US$11,375 to the mission. The CIOG will contribute US$19,420 for the project.
CIOG said the objective of the project is to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and income for rural Guyanese women. “Many of these women are marginalized so we are pleased to partner with HCI in an effort to create employment, and build the entrepreneurial skills as well as the self confidence of the women,” the release said.
CIOG will select 80 women entrepreneurs from the West Coast Demerara to build their capabilities by providing training and technical assistance in catering and sewing/knitting.
These courses will be for a six-month duration. “Projects like this one will certainly change the lives of all those who will participate and benefit from the training,” CIOG President Fazeel Ferouz said. He said too it will “assist in the development of the person, community and our country as a whole.”
According to the release HCI is a Canadian, federally registered charitable organisation which aims “to help alleviate human suffering” by investing in humanity.
Since 1980, HCI has contributed towards facilitating sustainable development through long-term development projects, and maintaining human dignity by providing immediate relief assistance to many poor and strife-torn countries and to local causes in Canada.
