Zambia: The Actor Maunga Foundation has given K100,000 in empowerment funds to market traders in Kalomo, Southern Province, to empower different groups in the district.
Two market groups in Kalonda and Mwata wards each received a K50,000 empowerment fund courtesy of the Maunga Foundation.
The donations came barely a few weeks after the foundation was launched in Kalomo. Its main objective is to empower residents with various projects to improve their livelihoods.
Addressing the residents on Sunday at a sports tournament in Kalomo, Maunga said the funds should generate more income for other people to benefit.
He explained that the idea was to ensure that every individual was seen to be doing something productive in their life. He added that the foundation would assist members of the community in Kalomo with different empowerment projects.
Maunga stressed the need for unity and hard work among the residents.
He said the foundation was equal to the task of changing the lives of the vulnerable in the area, especially women and youths.
Maunga, however, called on market traders to organize themselves as the foundation was set to open offices in markets in a bid to empower traders.
“We have today given out chickens (layers) and capital for feed for starters to the women groups as a starting point, and we have empowered two groups in Mwata ward with a K100,000 empowerment ” Maunga added.
Meanwhile, Maunga disclosed that the foundation will soon empower taxi drivers in Kalomo with motor vehicles as a revolving fund for drivers.
Beneficiary Mutinta Chimuka said the foundation’s gesture would positively change the lives of women in Kalomo.
The Maunga Foundation has adopted sports as a tool for bringing Kalomo residents together for empowerment projects in the district.
The foundation is among others, currently sponsoring sports tournaments in all the wards under Kalomo Central Constituency.