The National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPD) West’s manager, Eka Loco, has emphasized the beneficial impact of the center’s new bakery initiative, which aims to enhance income generation and vocational training for individuals with disabilities. This project, supported by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and FMF Foods Ltd, is designed to empower trainees and staff by equipping them with baking skills to produce a variety of baked goods for sale.
Loco expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We are pleased to have been provided with these income generation projects by the Ministry. Our staff and trainees have received training from FMF on how to bake bread and buns.” The bakery is slated to kick off sales in the coming week, supplying products to local stakeholders, including government employees and residents of the Golden Age Homes.
With a total of 12 trainees with disabilities engaged in this venture, the bakery aims to ensure that they can achieve self-sufficiency post-training. The offerings will include various types of bread and buns, with production managed on-site at the NCPD center, and deliveries will be made with a dedicated van to facilitate distribution.
Loco also mentioned that there will be promotional efforts to spread the word about their new baked products, aimed primarily at family members and nearby government offices, establishing a close-knit supportive community network.
The bakery initiative illustrates a broader commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities across Fiji, reminiscent of the recently launched Job Discovery Programme that successfully placed individuals with disabilities into stable jobs. By investing in vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives, these programs not only bolster economic development but also enhance inclusivity and self-sufficiency within the community.
This bakery project stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing how community-focused initiatives can uplift marginalized groups and support their journey towards independence and economic contribution. As the trainees embark on this new venture, there is optimism for their successful integration into the workforce, enhancing not only their own lives but also contributing positively to their families and communities.
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