WENIPS beat 36 competitors for the prize in the contest staged by Aga Khan Foundation and European Union with a panel of four judges to help innovators secure start-up relief after the pandemic.
Parents in West Nile region receive 20 million shillings to boost soap making
The West Nile Private Sector development promotion centre limited (WENIPS) has won 20 million shillings to fund soap making, soya processing and a loan saving scheme for parents in the region in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic effects.
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The challenge was aimed at promoting distinguished innovation in early childhood development (ECD) and leadership skills.
Speaking during the workshop, Chief Executive Officer of WENIPS, Jenaro Puring Onegi, said that the money is going to restore smooth operation of ECD centres and empower single mothers who had been financially paralysed by the pandemic.
“The organisation will use the Shs20m to turn around one of four ECD [early childhood development] centres that we initiated with our saving group in Nebbi District. ECDs had been centres of excellence until Covid-19 pandemic hit. Parents, especially single mothers, began to fail paying fees and children attendance reduced by more than 50 percent, so ECDs are grappling with high drop out rates,” Onegi said.
ECD focuses on the wellbeing of children by providing their caretakers with practical skills to afford them a healthy environment and provision. During the competition, innovators were tasked with delivering a pitch on the best ways to improve ECD.
Amelia Biira, administrator at Early Years Foundation, applauded WENIPS on the win and future endeavours while handing over the cheque.
“The money is meant to help winners (West Nile Private Sector) to scale up their small enterprise on businesses, the business must be related to children. West Nile Private Sector will be at the helm of contributing to solutions and training parents in two early child development centres in soap making, soya processing and village saving and large association,” she said.
Out of the 36 innovators, 18 will also receive funds-based on the eligibility of their ideas.
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