Our Model
We teach women to fish. The goal of our model is to put money into the hands of our members, and to create sustainable income streams. We provide entrepreneurial or agri-business training, help our members open savings accounts and award business grants. We adapt our core model to fit the needs of each of our regions: Kampala, Iganga and Otuke.
Kampala Model
3 Months
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About 100 prospective members participate in a weekend workshop to determine their entrepreneurial potential. Each woman is given 10,000 schillings (about $4 US) to start a mini-business to see if she can increase her initial capital. Our membership team then selects and enrolls between 40-60 women from this group. They spend the next three months receiving numeracy and bead-making training. |
Enrollment
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Members select their own group name, and each woman receives help to open her own savings account. |
Income
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A main focus throughout this time is income generation. Members sell their beads to us twice a month, which provides them with an opportunity to earn a regular and significant income. They also receive ongoing entrepreneurial training, as well as health classes and other services. |
Business
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Members receive individual mentoring and ongoing business training. They withdraw a portion of their savings to launch their new business. |
Months 15-18 |
Members stop rolling beads so they can focus on their new businesses. Advice and support are given to ensure a sustainable business has been launched. |
Month 18 |
Members graduate from BeadforLife with income, their own small business, and entrepreneurial skills. |
Month 24 |
Post-membership data is collected and evaluated. Alumni support is also offered. |
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
"
-Chinese Proverb
"Teach a woman to fish . . . and you feed the whole village!"
-Hillary Clinton
