LEA, BAC entrepreneurial programme blossoms
Oageng Batenegi | Thursday September 1, 2016 16:08
Gwaila-Madanika was giving concluding remarks at the programme’s graduation ceremony held this week at BAC campus.
She said the programme has unique practical hands on component, “and we shall be looking at innovative ways of improving it going forward”. The deputy CEO said the graduates or “student consultants” were attached to LEA assisted enterprises for a period of one year, for both parties to collectively diagnose challenges experienced by the businesses, then recommend and implement remedies that will insure business growth for the enterprises.
Gwaila-Madanika said BAC and LEA have to be applauded for having seen it fit to collaborate for the “virtuous” initiative. “We have seen how this strategic partnership and programme has had the potential to accelerate the growth of enterprises and at the same time impart the requisite practical skills on the students (graduates),” she said. She added that the graduates are expected to use the knowledge acquired from the programme to empower themselves and others when they follow the entrepreneurship journey.
She added that LEA clients deserve a pat on the back for having warmly opened their businesses for the BAC student to acquire the much-needed practical experience to complement the theoretical aspect they had gathered in the classroom. “At the same time, I hope you have also benefited from the insights the students consultants have shared with you (businesses), through diagnosis of your businesses and recommending solutions to further your business,” Gwaila-Madanika added.
She challenged the facilitators of the programme to consider increasing the number of participating enterprises, as well as spreading it to other parts of the country so that more small and medium enterprises can benefit from the programme. The deputy CEO also thanked the graduates who worked tirelessly throughout the year to complete their programme despite hiccups such as lack of transport to reach their attached enterprises.
She said she is grateful that the challenges did not discourage the graduates; instead they preserved and displayed dedication to continue with the project right to the end.
“These are some of the entrepreneurial traits that one needs to run a successful business,” said Gwaila-Madanika to the graduates.
The deputy CEO assured the graduates and the clients that as LEA, their doors are open to receive and empower them to start or probably grow their businesses.