Small Business Training Program
The small business training program on October 16-18, 2023, gathered a group of 15 participants, among them three were carpenters trained through our COH vocational program, four were members of the Grace Alliance Church, two were members from the community we serve and the rest were guardians and parents of children under Circle of Hope care.
Over the course of the three days, we embarked on an enriching journey of learning about personal development and community building through small business.
The first day of our program was marked by a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm as participants engaged in an introductory session. Participants exhibited eagerness to learn and actively participated in introductory activities. In one activity, each participant wrote expected learning outcomes for themselves.
The second day of the program focused on active learning and engagement with a question and answering session, case studies and scenarios. We also had a former small business student who has turned out to be an excellent entrepreneur provide practical examples on maintaining a business.
The final day of our program was bittersweet as participants celebrated their achievements and received certificates presented by our Operations Manager, Mr. Edmond Phiri, to honor each participant’s dedication and hard work. A strong bond was formed during the training and the separation left many with a deep sense of sadness.
We faced several challenges during the program which included struggles with poor communication, time management, rising costs of food, transportation and a shortage of time to complete as many lessons or go as in-depth in our training as we had planned.
Beginning in November, we will begin visiting each participant in their home for life skills training. Home visits allow for some participants to answer questions that they were reluctant to answer in the larger group.
it wasn’t all work as Amayi Bokho was able to reconnect with babies who got their start in life at Patricia’s Home and have now been reintegrated with their families.
We invite you to join us in praying for our students as they complete their training, business planning, and begin sourcing the funding to start their business. Enjoy just a few seconds of our celebration at the end!