A training programme aiming to help up to 45 young solo mothers start their own small businesses is underway in Fiji.
The New Zealand organisation, International Needs, is working with the New Zealand government's aid programme to fund the new initiative.
A spokesperson for the group, Rob Wayne, says the training will include teaching young mums budgeting skills as well as crafts such as weaving and screen printing.
"To allow them a greater degree of economic independence the intention is to provide some skills that they can use to establish small businesses, simple activities that they should be able to do in conjuction with raising their children."
Rob Wayne says upon completing the course, mothers will receive a start-up grant and be provided with a business mentor.
He says International Needs is in the process of raising 80,000 dollars to fund the programme for three years.