A two-day seminar was held with 22 young mothers who have previously completed of EBLI computer literacy and business skills training. The objective of this seminar, facilitated by Lucy Metha and Elizabeth Geoffrey, was to provide a two-day business refresher course for young mothers who graduated from computer and business training in the past (Batches 1-10) and are currently employed or self-employed and looking to take their job or business to the next level. Attendees selected the discussion topics based upon their areas of need and what would most help them in the management of their business. 

As mentioned back in February, EBLI is always trying to improve its activities to  best meet the needs of its beneficiaries. Towards the end of last year, young mothers voiced that it would be helpful to them if EBLI offered a business refresher course for those who have already completed computer literacy and business skills training, but are looking to refine their business knowledge so as to be a better employee or manager of a business. In response to this need, EBLI offered its first two-day business refresher course last February, and conducted a second two-day business refresher course that ended today. 

This most recent business refresher course, co-facilitated by Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Michael Leen, and EBLI staff member, Lucy Metha, was attended by 17 young mothers. The participants selected the discussion topics based upon their areas of need and what would most help them in the management of their business. Areas of focus included: the reasons businesses fail, financial management including how to raise capital, selecting a business location, preparations for selling, record keeping, marketing, customer service and business expansion. Additionally, the young mothers learned once again how to apply for a job and gain employment, discussing topics such as the good traits of an employee, and how to write a cover letter, curriculum vitae (C.V.), and how to prepare oneself for an interview. Tea and lunch were provided both days for all participants. ​

The young mothers who participated in this business refresher course are involved in a variety of businesses, including restaurants, food markets, hair salon, handcrafts, and farming, to name a few. Most of them, however, intend to use the skills from this course to start another business of their dreams down the road. For example, one young mother is currently cooking breakfast food in her neighborhood, setting aside the profits of her businesses so that she may be able to buy a sewing machine and start her own clothing business in the future. EBLI reaffirms the importance of making small yet continuous steps towards fulfilling one's dreams.  

At EBLI we are always trying to improve the activities and services we provide. One piece of feedback that received last year from young mothers is that it would be helpful to them if we offered a business refresher course for those who have already completed computer literacy and business skills training, and are currently in business be it employed or self-employed. The idea is to further economically empower these young mothers by continuing to help them hone their entrepreneurial skills. So for this year, EBLI has planned two business refresher courses to cater to this identified need, with each course being two full days in length.

Today, the first two-day business refresher course was held with 17 young mothers, co-facilitated by Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Michael Leen, and EBLI staff, Lucy Metha. The participants selected the discussion topics based upon their areas of need and what would most help them in the management of their business. Areas of focus included: the meaning of entrepreneurship, understanding and identifying customer needs and personal skills, estimating start-up costs, financial management, separating start-up and ongoing activities, selecting a business location, preparations for selling, record keeping, marketing, customer service and business expansion. Tea and lunch were provided for all participants.