Milton Mashasha
Two community groups, Ntuthuko and Beautiful Beginning, have received grants from Brethren In Christ Compassionate and Development Services (BIC-CDS) at Ntalale Business Centre in Gwanda South. These funds aim to strengthen small businesses while promoting climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability in the region.
Awarded after a workshop gathering women, youth, people with disabilities, and the underprivileged, the grants focus on empowering the community. The session covered essential topics such as business management, the importance of constitutions for Village Savings and Loans (VSL) schemes, and training in ventures like hairdressing, roadrunner breeding, and chicken farming.
BIC-CDS Coordinator Similosethu Ndlovu emphasized the organization’s commitment to building resilient, climate-smart communities.
“As a representative of BIC-CDS, I am here to assist in addressing the impacts of climate change. Our focus is on supporting women, youths, and people with disabilities while tackling issues like gender-based violence. We aim to strengthen climate-resilient businesses, such as VSL schemes and bee-keeping,” Ndlovu stated.
In addition to promoting small businesses, BIC-CDS also focuses on sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
“We are educating communities on conservation agriculture, gully filling, and bee-keeping while advocating against deforestation. Our initiatives aim to restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods,” Ndlovu added.
Ndlovu also highlighted water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, as a critical issue for the organization.
“Our goal is to reduce siltation, ensuring support for both human and animal life. We are dedicated to environmental management and fostering peace. Plans for dam rehabilitation form a key part of our long-term strategy,” Ndlovu explained.
Ntuthuko Group Chairperson Opah Moyo expressed gratitude for the grant support.
“We are pleased with this assistance, which will help us focus on supporting the girl child and managing school fees through our small businesses. These grants empower vulnerable groups in our community,” Moyo said.
Lifalethu Ncube from the Women Affairs Department praised the partnership and encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
“I encourage everyone to use these funds to improve your businesses and help combat climate change and drought in our communities,” Ncube said.
