Waso-led training programmes |25 October 2019

Participants proudly display their certificate in a souvenir photograph with guests

‘Turn ideas into business ventures,’ participants urged

Turning ideas into business ventures was the principal message of the chairperson of the Women in Action and Solidarity (Waso) organisation Rose-Mary Elizabeth yesterday as she presented certificates to the participants who have successfully completed training courses offered by Waso, in collaboration with several partners.

Mrs Elizabeth, who was addressing the 20 plus individuals who have completed their respective training programmes in eco-lab, arts and crafts, sewing, pastry and business start-up among others, urged the participants to develop their newly acquired skills by venturing into entrepreneurship and making the most of the opportunities available.

“Waso has done the necessary to teach you to fish. You took the first step by taking the hook and you have now been equipped with know-how and skills so take it further and start your own business. The country needs you, as does the community and the economy,” she said.

She went on to point out that the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), whose chief executive Angelic Appoo was present, provides seed capital of R50,000 to start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises that have been operational for less than 3 years.

In her address, Mrs Elizabeth also urged for the government to look into rental market prices, noting that many small entrepreneurs are faced with the difficulty of finding suitable locations on account that workshop and shop rentals are expensive.

She concluded her address by thanking all the sponsors who have assisted the organisation financially to provide for the programmes including the Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS), Barclays Seychelles Ltd, soon to be known as Absa, Sacos and ESA among others.

Pascalina Monthy of Barclays, Absa, and Ms Appoo of ESA both presented their remarks about the services available from their respective entities which support entrepreneurship and congratulated the participants.

Participants were then presented with certificates in their respective programmes with the exception of eco-lab. The group consisted of individuals who have undergone the courses last year and this year. It must be noted that many successfully completed more than one training programme.

One of the participants, Marie-Anne Anthony, remarked that the programme has been transformative for many of the participants, noting that they not only furthered their knowledge, but they also made new friends.

Waso initiated the programmes in 2012 to assist women who are victims of domestic violence to learn new entrepreneurship skills from which they can participate in economic activities and be empowered.

Consultant Benjamin Vel had a key role in the conceptualisation of the programme.

Since its establishment, over 500 participants have been trained.