By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their efforts towards equipping vulnerable women with knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management, with the aim of empowering them to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods in the country, Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, with support from Trocaire, has on Friday 8th September, 2023 concluded a 2 days training for 50 Vulnerable women from five different communities on income generation activities and business management.
The training which brought together women from 5 communities including Susan’s Bay, Culvert, Wellington Old Wharf, Portee and Calaba Town Communities was held at the Cline Town Kumbassa Community Center Hall in the East End of Freetown.
Speaking during the training, the Program Manager of Caritas Freetown, Eliza G.O.C Sillah, said the training is part of the implementation of its project titled, “Preventing Violence Against Women and Promoting Women, Persons with Disabilities’ Participation in the 2023 General Elections”, supported by Trocaire.
She said the primary objective of the training is to empower the participants by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management with the strong conviction that by equipping these women with the tools they need to start their own businesses, Caritas aims to enhance their self-reliance and improve their overall livelihoods.
Eliza G.O.C Sillah stated that the training program covered various topics related to income generation and business management of which participants received comprehensive instructions on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies and customer relations.
She noted that additionally participants were introduced to various income-generating activities, such as small-scale agriculture, crafts, and tailoring, among others.
The Program Manager also stated that the training is being conducted by a team of experienced trainers and facilitators specializing in business development and women’s empowerment, furthering how the trainers utilized a combination of interactive lectures, practical exercises, and group discussions to ensure maximum engagement and knowledge retention among the participants.
She disclosed that the training has equipped participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish and manage their own income-generating activities, revealing that Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission will continue to provide post-training support to ensure the sustainability and success of the participants’ businesses.
One of the participants of the training, Adama Bangura representing Portee Community, applauded Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission for the two days training in income generation and business management.
She stated that through the training they have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management.
Adama Bangura said that prior to the training many of them struggled with business management, often resulting in reduced profits. Now, they feel better equipped to run their businesses successfully.
She emphasized how the knowledge and skills acquired during the program, particularly in business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and customer relations, would significantly benefit their businesses.
