MKF launches Livelihoods Development Programme to support IDPs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 11 2023:
The MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) has announced that it has secured funding to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at a number of relief camps by launching a Livelihoods Development Programme.
A release issued by MKF informed that the programme is also being launched in memory of (L) Laishram Dineshchandra Singh who was the Nodal Officer of the Monitoring Team of the relief camp set up at Meitei Langol Leima Khullen Leikai, Imphal West.
This is the relief camp where MKF conducted a pilot experiment by supporting a few of the resident IDPs to make handloom and handicraft products.
Following the outbreak of widespread violence on May 3, 2023 which has displaced tens of thousands of Manipuris, MKF has been focusing on helping the IDPs where it can do so.
To date, the Foundation has supported 782 children in 12 relief camps located in five districts, and new supplies including winter clothes are being procured to distribute in the coming weeks.
Considering the biggest challenge to make the IDPs economically self-reliant as quickly as possible, MKF has raised funds to select 50 individuals or more depending on funding from various relief camps, provide them with basic training on entrepreneurship and supply materials to make handloom & handicraft products which will be sold through various channels.
The proceeds will be channelled back to the IDPs to help them grow their means of income.
"The programme is honouring Dinesh's memory by implementing what we had started together.
Dinesh died in an unfortunate road accident and we hope this program will keep his memory alive while also raising awareness of road safety and the need for people to drive carefully looking out for each other's safety", it concluded.