The Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation recently took a significant step towards empowering widows of less privileged communities in Freetown by organizing a two-day business training program. The initiative aimed to equip widows from the Government Wharf, Kroo Bay, and Red Pump areas with the necessary skills to start their own businesses, as this would provide them with a pathway to self-sufficiency and the ability to support their families.
Aruna Kamara, a dedicated field staff member, explained that the training program specifically targeted widows from these three communities known for their challenging economic circumstances. ‘’The comprehensive curriculum was carefully tailored to address the unique needs of the widows, ensuring they received the knowledge and tools required to effectively manage their micro-businesses,’’ Kamara explained
Speaking about the significance of the program, Ishmael Lebbie, the program’s facilitator, highlighted the program’s comprehensive nature which encompass a range of essential business skills. Lebbie, emphasizing the positive impact of the program’s initiative, further on to say this: "Through this training, we aim to empower widows in these communities, enabling them to micro-manage their mini-businesses successfully,"
The widows of Government Wharf, Kroo Bay, and Red Pump expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation. Isatu Koroma, one of the participants, conveyed her appreciation for the foundation's efforts in empowering them. And she said this: "This training has instilled hope and confidence within us to start our own businesses, allowing us to provide for our families independently,"
Echoing Koroma's sentiments, Yealie T Kargbo, another widow who benefitted from the training, requested further assistance from the foundation. Kargbo therefore appealed to the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation to extend their support to other widows in need, specifically suggesting the provision of microfinance options to help them embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
The Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation has a longstanding commitment to empowering marginalized communities and improving lives across Sierra Leone by focusing on widows in Government Wharf, Kroo Bay, and Red Pump. Â The foundation aspires to create a ripple effect, empowering these women to become self-reliant and inspiring others to follow suit.
Recognizing the potential impact of this initiative, the widows' call for the involvement of microfinance institutions aligns with the foundation's mission. And the provision of microfinance assistance to widows seeking to start their businesses would further strengthen their efforts toward achieving economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.
The Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation remains dedicated to supporting widows and other marginalized groups, with a vision to bring positive change to the lives of these resilient women.  But by equipping them with essential skills and resources, as this is part of the foundation’s aim to pave the way for a brighter future not only for the widows but also for their families and communities as a whole.
As the widows of Government Wharf, Kroo Bay, and Red Pump embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation's business training program serves as a powerful beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of empowerment and community support.
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