The Programme
The key elements of the programme are:
· A five-day interactive experiential workshop, delivered by Trevor Long and Nikki Swan, with local
facilitators, Buba K Touray and Lamin L Touray.
· An actively managed peer support network of programme participants
· Ongoing mentoring support for participants.
· A programme of monthly continuing development events on key micro-business topics.
· A supporting Micro-Loans Scheme.
· Training to develop local people to become programme trainers.
Programme Design
The programme was designed following an extended period of research with Gambian national and local groups, stakeholders and potential participants, including village community groups, village leaders, current and future micro-business owners, other training and education providers, Government Ministers, and The British High Commissioner.
Putting aside Western business terms, constructs, models, tools and techniques, we designed the programme from scratch to meet the unique challenges and characteristics of The Gambia and Gunjur.
Workshop
The Workshop is central. Recognising that even the most fundamental micro-business ideas and practices would be unfamiliar to most participants, we produced a course from first principles. We employ local practices and terminology to explore hard skills including financial management, marketing, supply chain and production, and soft skills around self-awareness, inter-personal skills and customer relationships.
As an interactive workshop, and designed to help participants develop their own ideas to the point at which they could start or grow their micro-business, activities involve short talks, small group discussions, role-play and participants presentations. Using a tree as a metaphor, we integrate each key skill to form the basis of a business plan. Each participant develops their own tree diagram and outline business plan.
Peer Support Network
Ongoing support and encouragement is essential for new micro-business owners. Participants are invited to join the network of all programme cohorts, involving ongoing conversations between participants, trainers and facilitators on the virtual platform, WhatsApp.
Mentoring Support
Every micro-business and participant have unique needs. In addition to the network, individual support is available for all participants, either by bringing an issue directly to us, or through the regular visits that are made to participants by the Programme Manager and Officer.
Monthly Development Events
These are planned for the future when a programme manager will organise monthly meetings in which experts will present and advise on key business issues, such as banking, insurance, marketing and cash flow.
Micro-Loan Scheme
For those participants in the programme for whom a loan would be of particular help in starting or growing their business, this scheme can provide funds. Not all programme participants will be able to access a loan and the fair application of clearly defined criteria is essential.
Training Trainers
From the start, we have sought to work in partnership with the community. We wish to hand the programme to the community once established, around 2024/5. In preparation for this hand over, future trainers are progressively being trained for its delivery and management in Gunjur and beyond.