The mothers of the Deka Circuit of Lutheran Church in Nawaeb District in the Morobe Province, received an early Christmas Present of sorts, when presented with SME Start Up Kits. This was made possible by the Nawaeb MP, Theo Pelgen, who explained that these kits consisted of sewing machines and material (laplap rolls). The mothers are expected to utilize these kits to create and sell various products. These SME Kits are an initiative of the MP and he expressed that he was glad to see this rolled out so far in the district. Most of the Wain/Erap Local Level Government (LLG) has already been covered in this rollout. “What we are trying to do is empower the women right at village level, so they have something to start business in.” “From the sales of this kolos, bedsheets, pillow sheets, etc the mothers can work on business profiles, register associations, and then open bank accounts.” MP Pelgen said this should set the foundation for the mothers to secure bigger loans to boost their SME interested activities. Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) Women’s Representative Rebecca Michael said that the mothers must take good care of the support since this is the start to empower them and more support will come if they build from this support given. Ms Michael said the MP had chosen to work through the link of the Lutheran Church Parrish since Nawaeb is dominated by Lutheran Church Members. “MP Pelgen will work with other Pentecostal and mainstream churches in Nawaeb District onwards beginning next year.” “For convenience sake we have piloted the SME support roll out first with Lutheran church.” Ms Michael said the Parish were given support included Caperak Corner Parish, Busung Parish and Boac (Yambo, Wideru & Boac Villages). Distribution of SME Kits in the Laulu Circuit is expected to start tomorrow and will include the Labuta LLG.