(Left) Some of the processed food items produced under the food processing project of the MITA Ministry. (Right) Beneficiaries of the MITA Ministry of Alempang Baptist Church with their pastor Rev Temsu S and Nagaland minister for PWD (Housing), Tongpang Ozukum on February 5. ( Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | February 5
In an effort to alleviate unemployment problem, a local church in Mokokchung town has launched a ministry where prospective youths will be mentored, trained and provided with handholding support to venture into various self-employment avenues. The launching ceremony of the ministry was held here today in the presence of Tongpang Ozukum, Nagaland Minister for PWD (Housing).
Named ‘MITA Ministry’, the project is a ‘faith and work initiative’ of Alempang Baptist Church in partnership with Canadian Baptist Ministries. MITA is an acronym for ‘Meranga Inyaker Taküm Alitsü’ in the Ao Naga language.
Pastor of Alempang Baptist Church, Rev Temsu S said that there were more than 300 unemployed youth members of his church. Recognizing the unemployment scenario, the church decided to undertake a social ministry that resulted in MITA Ministry.
According to the pastor, MITA Ministry will facilitate self-employment opportunities in food processing, carpentry and animal husbandry. The food processing project launched today was the first of three phases. Ten youths of the church have been provided special assistance by the church including financial assistance, mentoring, procuring of machines and work site. Food processing machines including grinders, mixer, juicer, pulping machine and freezers worth over rupees four lakh have been provided by the church. While the church has provided facility for two machine rooms, office, storage rooms and a product outlet room, the 10 beneficiaries will be responsible for running and managing the business. The whole ministry is based on a well formulated set of guidelines.
Tongpang Ozukum observed that MITA Ministry was an eye-opening venture and assured his support to the ministry. Saying that the unemployment situation was grim in the state, he encouraged the young people to embrace livelihood and self-employment projects.
