Girl Guides engaged in entrepreneurial Taiwan funded project

A ONE-WEEK entrepreneurial project has been launched by the Girl Guide Association of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), to further develop the entrepreneurial talents of 60 young women.

With support from the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, the Girl Guides Association launched the entrepreneurial project dubbed “Start Up SVG” on Tuesday, April 11.The project was launched at the Girl Guides Headquarters in Level Gardens and will conclude tomorrow, Saturday, April 15.

A release from the association said that the objectives of the project include providing guidance on how to assess the feasibility of entrepreneurship and business ideas; developing short-to-medium term self-improvement plans; structuring and operating simulated enterprises; and developing effective communication skills. Lead facilitator of the project, Sadé Jemmott- Forde of Barbados who spoke at the opening ceremony said that she is grateful to have been given the opportunity to facilitate the project as female entrepreneurship is critical to economic growth and social development, especially in the context of small island developing states like SVG.

Peter Sha Li-Lan

“We currently do not produce in our islands most of what we consume, and as such, true economic growth must be private sector, but there is a key detail to be noted here. As a society, we benefit significantly more from female entrepreneurship, employment and success,” Jemmott-Forde pointed out.

“ Why do I say that? I say that because research shows that approximately 90 percent of women’s earnings are reinvested into the economy and the community via health care, nutrition [and] education…”.

She added that female entrepreneurship is absolutely critical to economic growth and social demand which is the core reason for the project.

“That is why we’re here today to equip, empower, enable, and to build better businesses, stronger communities, more cohesive societies, and robust economy and a generally more prosperous region that is locally relevant and accepted…”.

Ambassador of Taiwan to SVG, Peter Sha-Li Lan said he is excited that the embassy is a part of the initiative and the work in promoting empowerment in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“…We are excited.We understand the long history and important status of the Girl Guides in St Vincent and the Grenadines. We are very pleased this time that we have this

opportunity to work with [the] association in terms of this project of the woman empowerment. When we talk about women empowerment, we talk about a lot of aspects. From my understanding, one of the most important mission from this supplies females for leadership, for the future planning of their career,” the diplomat said.

He added that the training programme would be one of the most important aspects in terms of providing leadership and future careers.

“…you may know that we already work with different ministries and entities in terms of economic inequality, women’s empowerment programmes. We had vocational training, we’ve…had business consultations…”.

Ambassador Lan said that Taiwan has been doing well in entrepreneurship, and is a good example of what it means to succeed in business.

Facilitating with Jemmott-Forde is Caribbean Link Trainer of the Girl Guides of SVG Dr R.Tamira Browne.