DIY businesses: government-to-government assistance
The United States Government together with the Namibian Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS) recently handed over business start-up kits to 55 out-of-school adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Oshakati.The recipients took part in Economic Strengthening training with funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and are now planning to start their own businesses ranging from poultry farming and bakery to horticulture and hair salons.
“The equipment in these start-up kits will assist you in getting your businesses up and running,” said USAID Country Representative McDonald Homer to the graduates at the handover ceremony.
“Education and economic self-reliance are key to a better life as they help reduce vulnerability to HIV and empower adolescent girls and young women to be resilient and be in a position to sustain themselves.”
This government-to-government (G2G) project with a budget of US$375 000 (N$7 million) implements programmes to prevent HIV/AIDS among adolescent girls and young women in Namibia.
Speaking at the handover, Minister of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service Agnes Tjongarero applauded PEPFAR, USAID and other US agencies that enabled this donation.
“The initiative also strengthens the capacity of MSYNS to provide tailor-made services to out-of-school girls and their male partners, specifically in comprehensive life skills training, health education, and economic empowerment.”
Vulnerable adolescent girls and young women who are motivated to be entrepreneurs and have a strong viable business idea are selected for additional financial and entrepreneurship training to start their own businesses.