The African Co-operative Action Trust ( ACAT)

ACAT focuses on sustainable human development and improvement in the quality of lives of the poor in rural and peri-urban areas where it’s core objectives are entrepreneurial skills development and training. The emphasis is on the whole person:  body, mind and spirit.

Individuals from the Refilwe community who are committed to starting a business and becoming part of the Refilwe Skills Project form groups of 5 (G5’s.)

They are taught Christian principles and values and exposed to training in life skills, health and HIV Aids awareness and basic business skills over a 2 week period at Refilwe.

The G5’s are monitored by extension officers for up to 6 years to assist them in implementing the business principles they have been taught and to ensure complete sustainability. They are also then encouraged, once they’re maintaining their businesses, to train a new G5 in the area. The primary areas in which the Refilwe community is developing businesses are in organic vegetable farming, baking, carpentry, sewing, running day cares, hair braiding, vehicle maintenance and small animal husbandry.