Training That Breaks The Cycle

In February, two members of the Reeds of Hope team traveled to Colorado Springs to
begin our partnership with Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs. (www.alternativproject.org) The Alternativ curriculum delivers a high-impact business training and mentorship, equipping individuals to start small businesses and break the cycle of poverty. We are excited to announce that in June a team will be traveling to Congo to conduct our first Business Training. One Thread sewing scholars and Bernard, our manager in the East, will learn through intimate group discussions and interactive exercises, including skills, games and role-play. The business content promotes self-discovery through practical, culturally-relevant topics. It also affirms the truth about one’s identity and unique giftedness. As the trainees are equipped with business skills and confidence, they are presented with new economic opportunities. For the women in the sewing program, this means they learn skills that will change theirs and their children's lives, setting them up for financial stability.  For Bernard, this training will equip him to train our University and high school graduates and the parents of the reintegrated families so that they too can gain the tools necessary for financial stability. With more financial stability comes increased food security, access to education, and life-changing movement for individuals, families, and entire communities. In fact, for every 1% increase in a nation’s entrepreneurship growth, there is a 2% decrease in the poverty rate(www.alternative.org). This training affects change that starts with one individual and ultimately changes families and entire communities.