VOCATIONAL students at the National Council for Persons with Disability’s Lautoka branch will learn the skills to produce baked goods for sale to shops in nearby communities.
This follows the recent handover of a $20,000 bakery project to the council on Tuesday.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the initiative was empowerment in action, training those with disabilities to become entrepreneurs and contributors to their families and communities.
“This project is aligned with our broader whole-of-government approach to support persons living with disabilities through expanding vocational training and income-generating programs,” she said.
“This bakery is a space where they can learn, earn, and grow. It is also a strong example of what inclusive development looks like when the Government and communities work hand-in-hand.
“To the 12 vocational students: this is your time. Make the most of this opportunity, you are capable, you are creative, you are worthy of success.”
NCPD centre manager West Eka Loco said this is the first time a bread oven has been handed over to the centre.
“It started when our minister, Honorable Sashi Kiran, approached us about what items we need to cater for our children with disabilities who are on skills training programs in the complex,” she said.
“So, we asked for sewing machines and the bread oven.
“So, yes, we are so happy that we have been given these items.”
Ms Loco said the trainees were being taught the basic know-how of baking by FMF staff.
“After this official handing over, we are so happy that we will start making these items so we can sell it to our stakeholders who are just around here and government workers and also to the Golden Age Homes.”
