240 families get support to start small businesses

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Department of Labour and Social Affairs says 240 impoverished families have been helped to set up small businesses in southeastern Paktia province.

Qari Mohammad Rahim Nasrat, director of the department, told a gathering the families were given pushcarts and items needed for tailoring, embroidery and poultry farms.

He added essential equipment had been distributed to families in Gardez, the provincial capital, as well as the Syed Karam, Ahmad Aba, Ahmadkhel, Wazi Zadran and Zurmat districts.

He explained: “Among the 240 families, 41 were beggars identified by a special committee. The remaining families include those headed by persons with disabilities, widows or extremely poor individuals.”

The initiative worth nearly 2.8 million afghanis was funded by the Equality for Peace and Development Organisation (EPDO), the official added.

Meanwhile, Director of Economy Maulavi Anwar Rashid said several other organisations had pledged to implement similar projects for vulnerable families during the current year.

He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the support to improve their families’ economic conditions.

Ahmad Gul, who is disabled in one arm and is the sole supporter of a six-member household, told Pajhwok Afghan News:“I’m unable to work, but my wife has now been helped with a tailoring business, which will help resolve our livelihood issue.”

Zardad, a resident of Syed Karam district, said such small businesses could significantly help many families in meeting their basic needs.

He called on the relevant departments and aid agencies to continue such initiatives and ensure support for more deserving families.

kk/mud