In order to become self-sustaining our members need a range of modern skills that many have never had the opportunity to acquire. These include budgeting, using financial institutions, learning English and small business skills. As the first project of our Life Skills initiative, the beaders and tailors requested we assist them with a savings program. We contacted a micro-finance bank and initiated a pilot savings program for 20 beaders. Read more about opening the Savings Accounts here.

The pilot program was very successful. Now over 95% of the members have individual savings accounts and they are saving a substantial portion of their earnings.

Other life skills training sessions have included creating and monitoring a household budget, writing a will and designating a guardian for children, and small business planning. An Employment Specialist is working with members to create a strategy to diversify their income beyond making beads. A series of workshops on developing entrepreneurial skills and running businesses is ongoing.