Ford Resource and Engagement Centre (FREC) programme's contribution to poverty eradication : participant perspectives

The aim of the Ford Resource and Engagement Centre (FREC) programme of the non-profit organisation Future Families is to create sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprises in the communities of Mamelodi and Nellmapius, South Africa. The goal of the study was to explore participant perspectives on the FREC programme’s contribution in poverty reduction in Mamelodi and Nellmapius.The study used a qualitative research approach. It was an applied study, and the research design was an exploratory study. Purposive sampling was used to select ten enrolled participants of the FREC programme who were from the center. Data was collected by means of semi-structured, one-on-one interviews and thematically analysed. Ethical considerations for the study included confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, and avoidance of harm. There following themes emerged:

1. Reasons for joining the FREC programme

2. Expectations for livelihood outcomes

3. The effect of the FREC programme on participants' socio-economic well-being

4. The benefits from the FREC programme

5. Suggested changes to improve the FREC programme