LUANO Town Council Chairperson Paul Tembo  says government takes pride in witnessing initiatives aimed at fostering economic empowerment within the community.

Mr. Tembo says initiatives such as  Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) groups will help foster better livelihoods in the area, adding that the initiative  can change people’s lives.

He said this during a share out of over K100,000 to members of Washala and Tubombeshe SILC Groups in Kampoko Community of Luano District, facilitated by the Zambian Rainbow Development Foundation (ZRDF).

He implored the beneficiaries of the share-out to invest their money wisely.

“Please treat the money you have received as seed money to start and grow your businesses,” said Mr Tembo.

And ZRDF Community Advisory Committee Chairperson, Gibson Nkandu noted that  his organisation recognizes the significant role that SILC groups play.

Mr. Nkandu explains this is transitioning members into other forms of financial services and driving the financial inclusion agenda.

Since 2013, the organisation has managed to form 453 SILC groups with over 7,400 members in Luano and Mkushi Districts.

ZRDF plans to roll out the programme to more communities in the districts.

And  Mary Kaziya, one of the beneficiaries, thanked ZRDF for assisting the people of Kampoko Community to set up SILC groups.

Ms Kaziya explained that the initiative has helped her save money and boost her chicken rearing business by having access to loans with little interest rates and information on how to grow her business.