Six social welfare recipients have received seed grant assistance under the Government’s Welfare Graduation Program, aimed at helping families transition from welfare dependence to sustainable livelihoods.
Totalling about $11,000, the assistance was provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and is intended to support recipients to start or expand small businesses, including canteen operations, jewellery making, flower arrangements, frozen food sales, and small-scale farming.
The program reflects Government’s commitment to empowering vulnerable families earn their own income and gradually move away from relying on social welfare support.
Director of Social Protection Veremo Muria facilitated the handover of assistance in several communities. In Nasinu, two recipients received support to grow small businesses, while assistance was also provided in Nalidi Village, Ra, Delasui Village, Nasinu Village in Dawasamu, and Naloto Village in Verata.
Mr Muria said the program focuses on helping recipients build sustainable livelihoods rather than short-term relief.
He also stressed the importance of good business practices, advising recipients to keep business finances and decisions separate from cultural and family obligations, which can affect profitability and growth.
Recipients welcomed the assistance, describing it as an opportunity to improve their household income and secure a better future for their families.
Several said they were motivated to grow their businesses so they could reduce their dependence on welfare support and eventually become fully self-reliant.
A Delasui villager receives his income generation supplies. Picture: Supplied
Director Social Protection Veremo Muria is pictured with a recipient in Nasinu who received support to start her small business. Picture: Supplied
Director Social Protection Veremo Muria hands over a chest freezer to a recipient in Nasinu Village,
Dawasamu. Picture: Supplied
Director Social Protection Veremo Muria hands over income generation materials to a recipient and her daughter in Naloto, Verata. Picture: Supplied
Director Social Protection Veremo Muria pictured with the two recipients in Nasinu who received support to start or expand their small businesses. Picture: Supplied
A ministry staff carries cartons of materials to a recipient’s residence. Picture: Supplied
Ministry staff unloading assistance at a recipient’s residence.
Picture: Supplied
