By Bless Zoshe
Buea, Cameroon
Fifteen trainees of a six-week programme on entrepreneurship have received their end-of –course certificates. A ceremony to that effect took place on Thursday February 28, 2013, at the campus of the Intensive Vocational Training Centre, IVTC, Buea.
The initiative coined Peace Corps Business Class, was the brain child of collaboration between a Buea-based NGO, Global Stewardship Foundation Africa (GSFA), and some American Peace Corps Volunteers.
American Peace Corps Volunteer, handing certificate
The training comprised of 12 modules, including; developing a entrepreneurship idea, the importance of feasibility studies in business, strategies for good customer service, leadership and management skills, budgeting and balance sheet development, as well as do’s and don’ts of business loan acquisition.
Prior to the certificate awards, the trainees performed two sketches; one on the importance of leadership and team work; and the other, demonstrating skills acquired from all twelve modules of the training programme.
Graduates of "Peace Corps Business Class"
Presenting a talk on the topic: “Small Businesses, Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation,” the Director of GSFA, and promoter of the training, Mr. George Mofor, commended the trainees for their commitment, and encouraged them to develop achievable business plans, engage in business ventures as alternative means of income generation, even for civil servants. That way, he continued, they would create more jobs, and reduce unemployment considerably.
Mofor went on to cite government-run schemes such as PAJER- U, the National Employment Fund, the creation of Women Empowerment Centres, and the eminent launching of a special scheme for farmers and small business operators.
George Mofor, Promoter and Director of GSFA
“I congratulate them first, because they were elderly persons, some of whom have barely gone through secondary school, I am very appreciative of their participation. In terms of sustainability, we have exchanged contacts, in case there is a need for further clarifications about concepts they did not fully understand.
Our American friends will also give them some financial assistance to boost their capital, and we are going to launch the second phase that will begin on the March 12, 2013.”
On their part, the trainees said they were particularly thankful to the organizer, as the skills acquired will make a great impact on their different spheres of investment. According to Mrs. Bernadette Foncham, the programme has enlightened her on a wider range of possibilities.
“At first, I thought I could mix up personal savings and money for my business, but now, I realize that tampering with the latter will crumble the business enterprise. I also learnt that before starting a business, I should carry out feasibility studies, to have a clear vision to identify a market for the skill or product. I now know that I should rather work on a budget and follow the ’10 commandments of marketing,’ else the business will fail. At the end of this training, I am confident that I will shine.” Foncham declared.
To Enow Marie Eta, “the training will help me implement better investment strategies, acquire loans, and improve my marketing capacity.”
Ayuk Oben Ayamba said in six weeks, he learnt entrepreneurship skills, how to develop a business plan, and above all the 5Ps of marketing.
The graduation ceremony culminated with the award of certificates and other special recognitions, and a common meal.
