PACIFIC Counselling and Social Services (PCSS) is continuing to make a difference in the lives of people through its income generation programme.
The programme is already proving to be popular among members of society who had been struggling for a better life but needed guidance and support to move forward in fulfilling their dreams.
This week PCSS held a two-day workshop for 20 clients in its new Labasa office, which has a large and convenient training room to properly carry out such initiatives.
Labasa-based PCSS national programme coordinator Sanjeet Singh said the two-day business skill and financial literacy training was well attended by clients who wanted to improve their standard of living by engaging into small business activities.
“Twenty people attended the workshop which had four couples and 12 individuals with groups including unemployed youths, single mothers, women and couples looking to open up small businesses,” Mr Singh said.
The training this week is the third of its kind in the past seven-months and PCSS is looking at carrying on with such workshops in the future as well.
“The entire aim of the income generation programme workshop is to provide income generating opportunities to individuals with means of earning sustainable income,” Mr Singh added.
“We work with clients business ideas and fund them to start up their business with anticipated outcome of reduction in poverty and unemployment.”
PCSS has been operating in Labasa since 2008 and the various programmes offered to clients for free have already made a positive impact in the society.
Apart from providing assistance and training to individuals to set-up small businesses, the income generation program also assists people who wish to enhance their skills in a particular field by supporting them with the respective tertiary training and qualifications.
Types of small businesses operated by programme clients are fish selling, canteen operation, vegetable market stalls, sewing, juice selling, small scale poultry, food parcels, scrap metals and home made soaps.
ABOUT PACIFIC COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Initially known as Family Support and Education Group, PACIFIC COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL SERVICES is an NGO that was initiated in 1994 when a group of volunteers banded together to establish a service that would address the needs of all people regardless of gender, race, age, religion or political affiliation.
PCSS ' mission is to counsel, educate and advocate to enhance the psychological, social, spiritual and physical well being of individuals families and communities through the provision of pro-active, comprehensive and professional services.
Services are free to members of the general public and are available through hospital based programmes as well as at our community services centres in Lautoka, Labasa and Suva.