Week 6

Visit of the Camperdown Mkhambathini local projects Municipality
I had the opportunity to visit different projects that promote income for families of the municipality. The Municipality is working with an Integrated Develop Plan for the 2008 and 2009.

To identify the groups with the intentions of starting a business, the Municipality works with leadership from the community. Community leaders are in charge of formalizing the groups, giving support when needed it and are the direct contact with the Municipality.

The first project I visited was beadwork, a group of women dedicated to do necklaces, earrings, belts, bangles and all kind of accessories. They sit together to share ideas and experiences. I had the incredible opportunity to sit with them and starts begin making a belt. It was amazing to share the moment with the ladies. Not even the language was an inconvenience to learn as I so enjoyed the beadwork.

The Municipality through the Rural Development Office give support to the group. They help with transport to sell the beadwork and the obtaining the materials.
The second project I visited was a group of women dedicated to raise chickens. They buy the chicks at low cost and feed them until they have the adequate weight to sell them. The price is between 30-40 Rand ($3-$4). The Municipality provides the materials to build the place where the chickens stay.

In the future week I will have the opportunity to see the vegetable garden project.