These past couple of weeks have been amazing and intense. In both of the slums Young Women in Enterprise operates in we have conducted the judging of over 200 individual business plans. With six months of training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business, the young women were ready to share and promote their creative business ideas. The judges were folks from all over Nairobi who volunteered their time in support of these aspiring young business women; from business professionals, to professors, management consultants, teachers, bankers, accountants, you name it.
It was an exciting affair seeing the girls all dressed up in their very best outfits. Some were adorned in black and white, some in grey, most in skirts but all with a professional smile. The transformation represented in these past two weeks is beyond what words can describe. During recruitment last July, these ladies were sporting ragged t-shirts brought over from far off Goodwill stores, stained skirts and unkept hair. But now just looking at them, it's hard to believe they are from the slums.
A group of three young women decided to present a business plan together and as they finished up, they came storming out of the judging room, their faces lit up as if they had just won the lottery. They were on a cloud nine they never knew existed before.
Left and right girls were departing their panels of judges with sheer joy written all over their faces. For most, this was the very first time they had ever presented anything to a group of professionals. And knowing that at the end of the day not everyone can come away with a top prize all of them are still winners as they've overcome so much to get where they are today.
And they are still moving along this positive track starting with this Friday in Kawangware. We are holding the first of two ceremonies, presenting the winners from the business plan competition with cash prizes and other giveaways. Everyone will receive a certificate and a small gift. In these two weeks we will be honoring over 320 girls in both Kawangware and Mathare for their amazing accomplishment of successfully completing their core business training as well as writing and presenting business plans. Next, we'll be transitioning them into an aftercare program providing the continued support they need to get the ball rolling in business or employment.
Brian (one of the judges) and I have been so moved by these young women and inspired by their determination to create something better for themselves and their families that we would like to invite all of our family and friends to support them, as they say in Kenya, in taking it to the next level. I know this is short notice for the award ceremonies but if anyone is interested in supporting these young women in their business start up with capital or gifts in kind please let us know and we are happy to facilitate the process. The aftercare program will be taking place starting next month and go until the end of the year. Each one of these girls is truly a winner and just a little bit goes so far in their lives. Most of them making less than $1 a day.....
If you have any questions about this program please let me know as Brian and I are both happy to facilitate any contributions you are so inclined in giving.
Cheers to young women paving a new path in Kenya and making history today ;-)
Waiting patiently to present her business plan
Coming away from presenting - she was quite relieved!
This young woman was all smiles, so professional and poised.
Waiting her turn....
Cloud nine
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