By Prince J Musa in Kenema.
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Sierra Leone named Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in collaboration with Caritas Kenema and support from the United Nations Peace Building Fund held a two-day intensive training of youths in different fields in their various communities.
Talking to Politico after the end of the training which started on the 19th and ended 20th of August 2024 in Kenema, the lead facilitator and consultant, Abdulai Bangura said over fifty young women and men participated in the entrepreneurship, and business management, and mentoring others on business skills development programme. He said that the training also targeted young people who are in politics to promote peace-building messages within their communities.
He said CRS wants to change the negative perception that anybody going into business is a school dropout instead of a career path.
“This project is to improve the business ideas of young people,” he said.
The Lead facilitator explained that the training also looked at business mentorship and coaching sessions and that upon completing two months of entrepreneurship training, the participants were given opportunities to provide business plans or ideas.
He further said that some of the business plans that have been submitted to CRS for support are brilliant.
Chairlady for the women’s group, Theresa Lahai commended the donors for supporting them as young people, saying most of them are single parents who support their families. She explained that the training has helped them to improve their business skills and it has enhanced their desire to start a business with low capital.
She stated that the training has empowered them to become useful people in their communities and add value to their families compared to previously when they were nowhere to start life.
Lahai assured Caritas and CRS that with the business ideas they have acquired, they can now teach other people in the Panguma community and other places based on business plans and strategic location.
Hawa Amara from Small Bo Nyangebu described the training as an eye-opener for them as they knew the value of doing business and that from the skills she had learned, her stall business in the community is improving as compared to before.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (28/08/24)
