2008 | Dublin | Level 2
Golden Anikwe
Co-operative Support Services (CSS)
Since 2006, Golden Anikwe, a native of Nigeria, has been working to establish a customised support structure for co-operative businesses in Ireland. Golden has extensive experience in the co-operative movement and has set up Co-operative Support Services (CSS) as a social enterprise development agency to serve the diverse ethnic communities in Ireland. Its work is focused on the development of and support for democratically managed models of enterprise to meet the needs of these local communities.
Having a background as both a cooperative promoter and practitioner, Golden realised that giving community members the opportunity to contribute directly towards the economic development of their community was vital for the enhancement of their capacity to participate in society.
Golden is currently focusing on the support and development of co-operatives in a number of areas including a hair and beauty salon in Tallaght, affordable childcare in Tallaght and Dundalk, and a credit union with 150 Congolese members in Inchicore, Co.Dublin, all which aim to begin operating by the end of 2008.
“The key aims of CSS are to contribute towards the empowerment of ethnic minorities, to reduce poverty within these communities and to promote social inclusion and participation through the co-operative actions of self-help, self-reliance and self-development.”
www.css.coop
