Self Help Groups
AZMAT centres were started by a group of connected persons, ideally residing close to one another, who showed common interest in an employment avenue. After assessment by SPRAT, they were given assistance and training from local institutions in their desired field of work.
This assistance concentrated on technical training as well as assistance in operation of production machinery. Additionally, SPRAT connected groups with sources of funding (local organizations and foundations) who were able to provide soft loans to AZMAT groups such that they could purchase initial materials and machinery, as well as a small working area.
While these loans were repaid through product sales income, the group members received a daily wage, and after full repayment the members were the sole owners of the operation.
Additionally, the group was managed by its own committee comprised of group members and one SPRAT official (required only until the loan was repaid). If needed, SPRAT would provide administrative and accounting support to the group.
Some examples of AZMAT group professions include bone and leather-based cottage industries, toy making, book binding, food article processing, and similar cottage industries requiring little machinery, little education requirements, and simple, accessible technical skills.
