Ethiopia: Baking Class with Kolla Women Liberation Collective

by Amara Tesfaye

Introduction

The project has trained a group of 9 humanists and 30 female community members who broke away from forced marriages and Islamic harem by providing them with training in the art and skills of making confectionaries such as banana bread, chin-chin, peanut flour, etc. The primary goal was to train them with the necessary skills to start their own confectionery business, thereby enabling them to generate income and achieve financial independence.

Objectives:

● To provide practical training in confectionary making techniques.

● To impart knowledge on hygiene and food safety practices.

● To foster entrepreneurship skills and business management knowledge.

Implementation:

The project was implemented over a period of 2 days. The following steps were taken:

a. Needs Assessment: A thorough needs assessment was conducted to identify the specific skills and knowledge gaps among the participants.

b. Training Curriculum Development: A comprehensive training curriculum was developed, covering topics such as confectionary recipes, baking techniques, hygiene practices, food safety standards, and basic business management.

c. Training Sessions: Practical training sessions were conducted for 2 days, where participants learned hands-on skills in confectionery making under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Special attention was given to ensure inclusivity and equal participation among all participants.

d. Entrepreneurship Workshops: In addition to technical skills, workshops on entrepreneurship were organized to educate participants on business planning, marketing strategies, pricing, and financial management.

e. Follow-up Support: Continuous mentorship and support will be provided to participants even after the completion of the training program to assist them in setting up their businesses and addressing any challenges they encounter.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

● Cultural Barriers: Overcoming cultural barriers and stigma associated with women's independence and entrepreneurship proved to be a challenge.

● Resource Constraints: Limited resources and infrastructure in some areas hindered the implementation of the project effectively.

● Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the businesses established by the participants remains an ongoing challenge.

Conclusion:

The training program for humanists and female community members in confectionery making has been instrumental in empowering them with valuable skills and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. By breaking away from forced marriages and harem situations, these individuals have gained not only financial independence but also a sense of dignity and empowerment. The success of this project underscores the importance of vocational training and entrepreneurship education in promoting social inclusion and economic development in marginalized communities.

 Recommendations:

● Continued support and mentorship for participants to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.

● Expansion of similar vocational training programs to reach more individuals in need of empowerment and skill development.

● Collaboration with local authorities and organizations to address cultural barriers and promote gender equality and women's rights.

Acknowledgments:

We extend our gratitude to all the participants, trainers, partner organizations, and supporters who contributed to the success of this project. Special thanks to Humanist Mutual Aid Netword for their financial support and guidance throughout the project implementation.