GEORGE NEWS - The George-based non-governmental organisation, Social Empowerment For Economic Development (Seed), was recently recommended for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Richard Iga, the CEO of Seed, says it is a great honour to even just be recommended. He says they have been working for a long time to be recognised and get the support in order to achieve their main objectives.
"With this status we will be able to pursue our programmes and projects on economic and social welfare. We also have offices in East Africa based in Kampala, Uganda."
Seed applied for this status in 2017 and after many consultations, they were finally awarded recommendation by the acting chief, NGO Branch, Office for Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development at the UN.
The letter read,"We are pleased to inform you that the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations at its regular session for 2020, held from 20 to 29 January 2020, decided to recommend that your organisation be granted special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council."
The letter further stated that this recommendation was subject to the endorsement of the Economic and Social Council, which would consider and act on the report of the committee at its management meeting, which was scheduled to be held on 2 and 3 June. Unfortunately because of Covid-19, there has been no further communication.
Iga says they have been operating since 2014 when Seed was registered in George. "As an organisation which empowers women, youth and children, we have had many projects and among those projects is talent development, that we hosted at Pacaltsdorp High School. We have also engaged in programmes of women empowerment and early childhood programmes with the Thembalethu community in Zone 6, Lingelethu Crèche."
Iga says this special consultative status has put them on another level, both locally and internationally. "We feel appreciated, and to be considered internationally for our vision and the work we do as an organisation, has aligned us with the United Nation programmes."
As founder, Iga thanks everyone who supported Seed here and internationally.
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