Mamasa (24 September 2024) - Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) distributed assistance in the form of economic empowerment and supported the fulfillment of food needs through a series of social services in Mamasa Regency, West Sulawesi.

Among the given assistance were free-range chicken farming, golden fish, sewing machines, and sports equipment. MoSA also reached out to Remote Indigenous Communities (KAT) in Mamasa by providing assistance in the form of household stimulus items and staple food aid. Additionally, they provided business empowerment assistance in the form of pig breeding stock, with each family receiving two piglets, benefiting 66 families.

Director General of Social Empowerment Mira Riyati Kurniasih stated that this assistance is crucial for changing the community’s mindset.

“This empowerment is very important for changing the mindset that social assistance is not the only way to eradicate poverty. Social assistance is just a cushion; if they want to escape poverty, the way is through empowerment,” said Mira.

Furthermore, she mentioned that empowerment assistance is also provided through assessments to ensure it is well-targeted.

“We have been conducting assessments here for about two months to explore empowerment potentials. I have also gone to the field, one of which is the weaving group in Balla Satanetian Village, where we provided sewing machines to develop their business.”

Mira added that besides providing empowerment assistance, the Ministry will also offer mentoring.

“Next, we will provide mentoring. They need training to develop their business skills, such as sewing to make bags, sandals, or anything else.”

For your information, Ministry of Social Affairs distributed a total of IDR140 billion of assistance during the series of social service activities in Mamasa Regency.