“Empowerment for Self-Reliance (EMSER)” Project ( January 2024 – March 2026)
The project empowered 30 parents of Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYWDs) through vocational skills development and business start-up support aimed at strengthening household income and improving family wellbeing. From 41 expressions of interest received, 36 applicants were assessed based on criteria including prior experience, readiness for training, and plans for applying acquired skills. Thirty beneficiaries (29 women and 1 man) were successfully shortlisted.
Between 23rd August and 23rd November 2024, beneficiaries completed a three-month hands-on vocational training programme across various skill areas of their choice. Throughout the training period, the project team conducted regular monitoring visits to training centres to track attendance, commitment, progress, and trainer engagement, ensuring quality learning outcomes.
To further strengthen the sustainability of the intervention, participants underwent an independent post-training assessment facilitated by external trainers and companies to evaluate their competence, confidence, and readiness to establish their businesses. In addition, beneficiaries received training on social media marketing to enhance their ability to promote products and services, expand customer reach, and improve income-generation opportunities through digital platforms.
The programme was successfully concluded on 29th January 2025 with the presentation of start-up work tools and equipment to all 30 trained parents. This support serves as seed capital to help beneficiaries launch and sustain small businesses, fostering economic independence and increasing their capacity to meet the healthcare, education, nutrition, and welfare needs of their children with disabilities. The initiative contributes to improving family resilience, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive community development.
