..Community Opportunity..
The Project: partnering with Sussex University students
In 2007, a member of Sussex University in the UK, Jes Howarth, travelled to Malawi where she met Samson and was introduced to Samalani Orphan Care and Youth Organisation. After spending a month staying with Samson and his family, Jes was inspired to get further involved in the work of the centre. Together she and Samson discussed what would be most beneficial for the centre. One of the main difficulties Samalani struggles with is a lack of funds, so in order to provide future security for further projects they came up with an idea for a sustainable, income-generating project. The aims of this project are two-fold:
1. To help local young people into employment by providing business skills training and advice alongside training in carpentry, tailoring and knitting.
2. To equip the participants with the skills they need to develop a locally-driven business, recycling a percentage of any profit back into Samalani centre, whilst providing them with knowledge for longer-term employability.
On returning to the UK Jes brought together a team of Sussex University students to work on developing a strategy for implementing and raising funds for the project.
1. To help local young people into employment by providing business skills training and advice alongside training in carpentry, tailoring and knitting.
2. To equip the participants with the skills they need to develop a locally-driven business, recycling a percentage of any profit back into Samalani centre, whilst providing them with knowledge for longer-term employability.
On returning to the UK Jes brought together a team of Sussex University students to work on developing a strategy for implementing and raising funds for the project.
Jes, Samson and his wife Mary in 2007
Jes and Samson with members of the Sussex team in 2009
Project Overview:
Phase One - a vocational business theory and practical skills training course.
In liaison with members of the Sussex University Business Studies department a business skills training pack has been created. With the help of a local graphic designer several copies of both the student and the teacher books have been published. They have been distributed to the Samalani centre.
Each book comprises of 10 lessons, the topics ranging from teamwork, competition and leadership to writing a business plan, marketing and basic economic principles. Each lesson is focussed around an activity which aims to place the theoretical learning into a practical context, with a group or class discussion at the end of each lesson to consolidate the learning. This course is designed to take place over a 2 month period and as of September 2009 the Samalani staff have completed this programme.
Each book comprises of 10 lessons, the topics ranging from teamwork, competition and leadership to writing a business plan, marketing and basic economic principles. Each lesson is focussed around an activity which aims to place the theoretical learning into a practical context, with a group or class discussion at the end of each lesson to consolidate the learning. This course is designed to take place over a 2 month period and as of September 2009 the Samalani staff have completed this programme.
The next stage in the training programme is the practical skills course. Samson has recruited local trades people from Area 23 to teach carpentry, tailoring and knitting to the students. Subsequently, we are not only providing the students with employable skills but are also providing extra income for local businesses and thus supporting the local economy. The skills training programme is currently under way and has started with a flourish!
The students have been given a choice of which trade they would like to learn and will be producing some of the following items:
In order for the skills training to take place we have raised funds to supply the local trades people with a teaching salary and with the tools and materials to teach their trade effectively. Our partner 'Tools for Self Reliance' have supplied and shipped the majority of the tools to the centre. Equally, employing local builders, a combined store cupboard and classroom for the equipment to be stored and the tailoring and knitting programme to be taught has been built. This was completed during the Sussex team's visit in July 2009.
The students have been given a choice of which trade they would like to learn and will be producing some of the following items:
- Knitted shawls
- Baby suits
- Seat/table covers
- School uniforms
- Skirts and blouses
- Doors
- Door frames
- Window frames
- Cupboards
- Bed sets
- Kitchen units
In order for the skills training to take place we have raised funds to supply the local trades people with a teaching salary and with the tools and materials to teach their trade effectively. Our partner 'Tools for Self Reliance' have supplied and shipped the majority of the tools to the centre. Equally, employing local builders, a combined store cupboard and classroom for the equipment to be stored and the tailoring and knitting programme to be taught has been built. This was completed during the Sussex team's visit in July 2009.
The store cupboard, under completion
Phase Two - Establish Small Local Enterprises in Co-operation with Samalani Centre
On completion of the theoretical and practical skills training programme our aim is to enable the students to set up their own businesses in the local market. The ultimate purpose of this is firstly to grant the students independence and self-sufficiency. Secondly, the aim is to support the Samalani centre with a percentage of the profit going to the centre in order to fund their other programmes which are aimed at caring for vulnerable groups within the community.
Currently, our plan is to provide the students with a start-up capital for their enterprises. This will encourage them to think independently and make careful choices regarding their business. Both the Samalani staff and the Sussex team will carefully monitor their progress. During our recent visit we have provided the centre with various forms, including a monthly pro-forma to ensure we have a coherent way to keep track of all expenditures and decisions made.
Currently, our plan is to provide the students with a start-up capital for their enterprises. This will encourage them to think independently and make careful choices regarding their business. Both the Samalani staff and the Sussex team will carefully monitor their progress. During our recent visit we have provided the centre with various forms, including a monthly pro-forma to ensure we have a coherent way to keep track of all expenditures and decisions made.
Current Timeline:
May-June 2009:
Funds transferred to Samalani centre for the building of the store cupboard and work benches.
July 2009:
Sussex team visit Lilongwe (see '2009 Visit')
August 2009:
MOU signed. Impact questionnaire taken and the theoretical business skills course begins. Funds transferred for theoretical and practical teaching, as well as stationary, electricity and rent. Financial forecasting and analysis conducted.
September 2009:
Theoretical business course complete.
October 2009:
Practical training course begins.
November 2009-March 2010:
Tradecraft education continues.
Funds transferred to Samalani centre for the building of the store cupboard and work benches.
July 2009:
Sussex team visit Lilongwe (see '2009 Visit')
August 2009:
MOU signed. Impact questionnaire taken and the theoretical business skills course begins. Funds transferred for theoretical and practical teaching, as well as stationary, electricity and rent. Financial forecasting and analysis conducted.
September 2009:
Theoretical business course complete.
October 2009:
Practical training course begins.
November 2009-March 2010:
Tradecraft education continues.