Christmas came early for six Social Welfare recipients as they received seed grant assistance to help start or grow small businesses through the Welfare Graduation Programme.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection says it continues to support Social Welfare recipients to move from welfare support to earning their own income, and this assistance helps recipients work towards supporting themselves and their families.
The Ministry says in this round of assistance, Government invested approximately $11,000, showing its commitment to helping families build long-term and sustainable livelihoods instead of depending on welfare support.
The Director of Social Protection, Veremo Muria, facilitated the handover of the assistance in several communities.
In Nasinu, two recipients received support to start or expand their small businesses in jewellery making, canteen operations, and flower arrangements.
The Ministry says one recipient received assistance in Nalidi Village in Ra to set up a canteen business, while another recipient from Delasui Village in Tailevu was supported to run a canteen and set up a small greenhouse nursery.
Assistance was also provided to a recipient residing in Nasinu Village in Dawasamu to support the start of his frozen food business.
One recipient from Naloto Village in Verata received assistance to establish a canteen business.
The Ministry says these investments are aimed at helping recipients earn a steady income and gradually move away from relying on Social Welfare assistance.
During the handover, Muria highlighted the importance of good business practices and reminded recipients to keep business money and decisions separate from cultural and family obligations.
He says while culture is important in Fijian society, mixing it with business can affect the success and growth of a business.
The Ministry says the assistance was warmly welcomed by the recipients, who shared their appreciation and strong motivation to start or grow their businesses.
They say many indicated they are determined to reduce their reliance on Social Welfare assistance and work towards a better future for their families.
The Ministry says the Welfare Graduation Programme demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable families, encouraging self-reliance, and supporting pathways to economic independence, dignity and long-term resilience.
