Gold mine neighbours to benefit from entrepreneurship skills

The Micro Enterprise Development Initiative (MEDI) project which will be implemented in collaboration with the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited (BGML), Africare; District Councils of Msalala and Nyang’hwale aims to provide mentoring on skills of education on business environment to encourage the society around the mine apply alternative means in economical endeavour and refrain from attempts of stealing gold in company’s mine site.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday, the BGML General Manager, Mr Graham Crew, said that agreement was important sine it will help empower the community economically.

“Acacia is committed to support the villages near to the gold mine to make them engage in business instead of relying only in mining activities in order to alleviate poverty,” said Mr Crew. The project worth $ 270,000 (about 500m/-) will support 350 beneficiaries from 14 villages in sustainable business development programme for two years and will be implemented in consultancy of Africare, while Acacia will provide funds through its Maendeleo Fund.

The project will provide trainings in horticulture, poultry, carpentry and entrepreneurship skills to all genders in the villages around the Bulyanhulu Gold Mine which covers 14 villages of Nyang’wale District in Geita Region and Msalala in Shinyanga Region.

Nyangh’wale Acting District Executive Director (DED) in Geita Region, MrVenance Ngeleuya, thanked the sponsors for the support saying it has come at the right time as most of the youth will apply the gained skills to create self employment activities.

Africare Counrty Director, Mr Alfred Kalaghe, said it is expected that significant change will be created toward improving the livelihood of 350 beneficiaries through sustainable business development and increased household resiliency come December 2017.

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