Co-op for single mums
DETERMINED to see single mothers stand on their own feet, a group of volunteers have started a co-operative scheme, specially meant for single mothers in central Seberang Prai.
Koperasi Ibu Tunggal Seberang Perai Tengah Pulau Pinang Berhad chairman Che Wa Harun said the co-operative, which was open to all races, was aimed at providing an avenue for the women to find additional income to help raise their children.
“There are at least 2,000 single mothers in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary consti-tuency.
“Many of them are from the middle and low-income groups, who have school-going children to feed,” she said during a presentation of Ramadan aid to 58 single mothers in Kampung Tanah Liat, Bukit Mertajam, on Sunday.
Che Wa said the eight-month-old co-operative, which was the brainchild of Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman, hoped to register about 200 members by December.
She said many of the present 100-odd members even found it hard to pay the basic RM100 per share unit, noting that some paid the amount in five monthly instalments.
“These women presently sell homemade cookies and tidbits to raise funds for the co-operative.
“But, we want to invest in a product that can help us sustain a steady income in order for us to pay out good dividends to our members,” she added.
Che Wa said she welcomed ideas from the public and corporate companies that were keen on helping the co-operative.
She said the co-operative would also apply for funds and loans from the state government as well as the Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Ministry.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who presented the Ramadan aid, said she hoped more individuals would come forward and help the co-operative.
“I hope this organisation will inspire other single mothers to form similar co-operatives in their respective areas.
“They can consider cooking, baking, sewing, making handicrafts as well as producing household products from recyclable items to make money for their co-operatives,” she said
For further details, contact Che Wa (019-4003985) or email her at chekwaharun@yahoo.com
