More on the Mattakkuliya SEP program
The SEP (Small Entrepreneur Program) has been one of the most successful projects of the MJF Charitable Foundation. Begun in 2005, initially to assist the surviving victims of the Asian Tsunami, the program now has over 475 persons who have received support to begin small scale businesses.
Following the success story, the first women’s only SEP program in suburban Colombo was initiated on the 8th of May, to coincide with Mr.Merrill J. Fernando – the MJF Foundation Settlor’s birthday events being held during the week.
12 women were identified through the St.Mary’s church located in Mattakkuliya (a densely populated area in suburban Colombo). Of the 12 women, 8 of them are currently participants in the nutrition program also being funded by the MJF Foundation. The selection process mainly was based on criteria that seemed most practical for mothers with infants.
Leaving an infant at home for a labor intensive job is no easy task for a mother. This situation creates a very real problem when income generation is considered a priority task but also the need to tend to the baby’s needs. Ultimately most women are left with little or no choice but to depend on their husbands for a source of income. As we have seen in many instances, this is hardly enough to keep the home fires burning. And the irony of it all is that many men in these impoverished societies are involved in a variety of illegal activity including drug abuse. As a result, they are apprehended by the police and most often end up in jail, thus leaving their wives and children in a desperate attempt to fend for them selves.
The SEP program is seen as a two pronged solution to this situation where the mother can be at home to provide care to the child, and at the same time carry out a business venture to generate income, hereby being a little more independent of her husband’s earnings.
Keeping to the MJF Foundation’s method of assistance, these recipient’s homes were visited prior to assistance to gauge their actual situation. Those visibly below the poverty line, but with promise and a high level of determination to succeed, were chosen. This women’s group being the first, their success will act as an example to encourage more women in future SEP programs to be implemented within the Mattakkuliya area.
We wish them all the very best!