Residents of Mavoko Sub-County have been encouraged to form and register groups so as to benefit from various available public funds in a bid to improve their living standards.
Addressing the public at Mavoko CDF offices during the disbursement of Uwezo Fund cheques on Monday, the area Gender and Social Services Development officer, Jesinter Mwende, said gender or age should not bar locals from benefiting from the funds.
"I encourage all residents from Mavoko Sub-County to consider forming groups despite their age or gender so that they may benefit from the various available public funds," said Mwende.
Mwende said the groups which include women, youth, self help or community based groups should not only be comprised of members of the same gender.
"It is not a must for the groups to be comprised of members of the same gender. Even if it is a women group for instance, 70 per cent can be women and 30 per cent men," said Mwende.
Mwende said several residents from the region had missed out on the funds because they were reluctant in forming and registering groups.
She said she found out that such people were confused and did not know the qualifications required to apply for the funds.
Mwende said laws regulating formation and registration of self help groups among other development organisations allow for each member of the community to form or join already existing and registered groups.
She encouraged the locals to equally consider forming and registering more groups with relevant departments of the government so as to stand higher chances of benefiting from funds which the state is committed to offering the citizens.
Mwende called on all the Uwezo Fund beneficiaries to utilise the money effectively in line with their business plans so as to improve their livelihoods and be able to repay the loans.