BENIN CITY, EDO STATE. Following the conclusion of the initial session of our Pathfinders’ Business Academy (PBA) classes for 40 ‘The Freedom Project‘ (TFP) beneficiaries in Cohort A, an Adaptive Business Training on the production of ankara crafts, zobo (hibiscus) juice and local ice cream was organised on May 31st, 2023. The training served to provide project beneficiaries with the requisite knowledge to not only appeal to their present and future customer base but to also achieve successful income diversification. TFP beneficiaries were split into groups with experienced facilitators who taught them exemplary skills in the foregoing businesses which can then be used to tap into new markets with minimal additional financial investment.
Beneficiaries who have already been trained in tailoring learned how to make ankara crafts, producing earrings, bags and necklaces with leftover pieces of fabric. We taught the hair stylists, caterers and those desiring to sell food items how to make zobo juice and ice cream, items which their customers can enjoy while patronizing their services. All beneficiaries were grateful for the practical classes and reminded of the need to diversify their revenue streams during and ahead of difficult economic times.
Following the training, each beneficiary received a starter pack with all items needed to produce the foregoing items as well as a transportation stipend.
‘The Freedom Project‘ is funded by a grant from the United States Department of State, to which we are grateful. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of Pathfinders Justice Initiative and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State. To learn more, email info@pathfindersji.org.
**Photographs used with beneficiaries’ consent.
