Luanda, 11/03 - The third phase of the "Vem comigo" project, underway countrywide since last September, foresees to resettle, in a year period, some 1,200 disabled former soldiers, the co-ordinator of the project told ANGOP in Luanda.
According to Silva Lopes Etiambulo, the plan, estimated at one million dollars, is being carried out in the provinces of Luanda, Kuando Kubango, Lunda Norte, Moxico, Huambo, Kwanza Sul, Uíge and Cabinda.
The initiative also includes a socio-professional training course in blacksmithing, computing, sewing and stone working, as well as assisting the beneficiaries to set up small-firms (farming and cattle-raising co-operatives).
The first phase, held from 2002 to June 2005, enabled the resettlement of 2,482 disabled people in the provinces of Luanda, Kwanza Sul, Bié, Huambo, Huíla, Cunene, Benguela, Lunda Sul and Moxico, and cost USD 500,000.
Whereas the second phase, implemented between June 2005 and June 2007, worth USD 1.7 million was carried out in the country's central and southern regions.
"Vem comingo" project is funded by the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security and implemented by the Angola's National Association of the Disabled (ANDA). Founded in February 1992, ANDA has 47,852 members (disabled, officers and ex-soldiers) countrywide, and is assisted by the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security as well as by the Lwini Fund.