On May 29, 2024, Cabo Verde witnessed the launch of the Family Empowerment for Sustainable Development Project (PEFDS), a significant initiative aimed at uplifting the livelihood conditions of local families. This project, financed by the ECOWAS Commission, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Family, Inclusion and Social Development in collaboration with the Association to Support the Self-Empowerment of Women in Development (MORABI) and the National Civil Protection and Fire Service.
Dr. Samuel Lamptey, Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to Cabo Verde, highlighted the project’s potential impact. He emphasized that PEFDS is designed to benefit families by empowering them to improve their living conditions and engage in income-generating activities. Dr. Lamptey remarked, “This project will empower families, enhance their livelihoods, and open up opportunities for them to participate in economic activities that promote income generation.”
Dr. Elísio Freire, Minister of Family, Inclusion and Social Development, underscored the strategic partnership between the ECOWAS Commission and the Cabo-Verdean government. He elaborated on the broader framework of policies and measures that this partnership supports, aimed at combating absolute poverty and eradicating extreme poverty. “The PEFDS is a symbolic testament to our commitment to comprehensive poverty alleviation strategies,” stated Dr. Freire.
The President of the National Association of Municipalities, Dr. Herménio Fernandes, expressed his support for the project and collaboration between ECOWAS and the Government of Cabo Verde. He congratulated all stakeholders involved and highlighted the significance of such partnerships in fostering sustainable development at the local level.
With a budget of US$770,143 (seven hundred seventy thousand one hundred forty-three US dollars), the project aims to benefit 560 families through three primary axes:
1. Income Generation Activities: Facilitating access to resources and opportunities for families to create sustainable income-generating ventures.
2. Food Security: Ensuring that families have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
3. Housing Improvements: Enhancing living conditions through better housing infrastructure and facilities.
This project marks a step forward in Cabo Verde’s efforts to bolster family welfare and sustainable development. By focusing on these three fundamental areas, PEFDS aims to create a holistic improvement in quality of life for many Cabo-Verdean families while aligning with ECOWAS's Social and Human Development Goal.
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