Programmes & Projects-Programmes-EC Soc Dev

SERVICE
Services to Youth , Women and adults in impoverished Communities

DEFINITION OF SERVICE
Community Based Services : Poverty Relief Programme

LEGISLATION THAT UNDERPINS THE SERVICE
N/A

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION
The Poverty Alleviation Program which was introduced and funded by the National Government since 1997, is another facet of Government’s multi-prolonged strategy to make a visible and meaningful Difference in the quality of life of the poor and needy people in this country.

In 1997 when the National Department started this program, the Provincial Department initiated 652 projects in the Eastern Cape. The number of beneficiaries benefited from these projects were 12692. The number of project that the department has initiated in the province since 1997 are 1070 and the total number of beneficiaries registered in these projects are 22539.

The department is currently funding only 69 projects that are actively operational in poverty pocket areas in the province. The projects are diverse in nature and can be classified as follows;

• Food Security - 15 projects – 1461 beneficiaries.
• HIV/AIDS - 10 projects – 785 beneficiaries.
• Women Cooperatives – 19 projects – 1508 beneficiaries.
• Moral regeneration – 21 projects – 1864 beneficiaries.
• Youth development – 2 projects – 1000 beneficiaries.

PURPOSES/AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
The aim of this programme is to assist previously Impoverished communities and specific target groups i.e. youth, women, poor households and HIV. AIDS out of the vicious cycle of poverty which is found in the generally unproductive areas of the country and enable them to take their rightful place in economic activity that helps to restore dignity and self reliance.

WHO RENDERS THE SERVICE?
Community Liaison Officers, Social Workers in partnership with other Stakeholders.