Beatrice Ayuru Byaruhanga H

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Beatrice Ayuru Byaruhanga H"

Merryl Richardson
6 years ago
Views:

Beatrice Ayuru Byaruhanga H Uganda aving studied in my own region, where I was not exposed to quality education, I got bitter with all the problems around me and especially from my own relatives

I made up my mind while in A Level to challenge the people who did not see value in women by concentrating on my education with an aim of passing and getting back to serve my people with a quality

After campus, I never bothered to look for a job and started with a petty business that would only sustain me.

small business -- and guess what? I was selling cassava and preparing eats for students in my college. This was how Lira Integrated School came to be born.

Lira Integrated School, located in northern Uganda, was established in 2000 with a vision to provide integrated nursery, primary, and secondary education.

It also offers counselling services to displaced and traumatized children.

extracurricular activities it offers. There is a focus at the school on information technology and computer training.

1 Beatrice Ayuru Byaruhanga H Uganda aving studied in my own region, where I was not exposed to quality education, I got bitter with all the problems around me and especially from my own relatives who never valued girl child education. I made up my mind while in A Level to challenge the people who did not see value in women by concentrating on my education with an aim of passing and getting back to serve my people with a quality education. I applied to study Education as my first choice and I was admitted. I happened to be the first girl to pass and be admitted to the University since the school was in existence. After campus, I never bothered to look for a job and started with a petty business that would only sustain me. Eventually, I had to get back to my profession, but while teaching I still had the vision, and, worse, I was not being paid because of bureaucracy in public service, so I had to continue with my small business -- and guess what? I was selling cassava and preparing eats for students in my college. This was how Lira Integrated School came to be born. It was from the meagre savings realized from these sales. Lira Integrated School, located in northern Uganda, was established in 2000 with a vision to provide integrated nursery, primary, and secondary education. It is a mixed day and boarding school with a population of 1,500 students and a total of 104 teaching, non-teaching, and support staff. It also offers counselling services to displaced and traumatized children. Having the three levels of education in one location is one of the school s competitive advantages, together with its investment in the quality of its staff, its facilities, and the extracurricular activities it offers. There is a focus at the school on information technology and computer training. The school hopes to be able to attract students from different districts and there are plans to expand it into a university in two years. I am a model in my region and nationally. I have won the hearts of many, especially youth, girls/women because of my background. My clan elders were against my education and land inheritance for the establishment of the school because am a girl. I did not give up but paved my way through all those challenges and made it. This has inspired many parents to seriously consider girl-child education. That is important, given the culture in my region where only boys are favoured. I have ensured that the girl-boy ratio in my school is equal, unlike in other schools. Lira Integrated School ayurubeatrice@yahoo.com I made up my mind.to challenge the people who did not see values in women by concentrating on my education with an aim of passing it on and giving back to serve my people with quality education.

Guenet Fresenbet Azmach Ethiopia G igi Ethiopia is a fashion design company which distinguishes itself by merging culture and art

It has two separate divisions; Gigi Haute Couture a clothing line focusing on dress wear for special occasions, using

crafts into home designer items. It has 42 permanent workers and about 100 subcontractors who do hand loomed fabrics.

Azmach has been selected as one of the top 16 among Africa s New Millennium Designers.

The company s revenues have grown by 200% over the past three years.

The management challenges of the company have been addressed by Empretec training and business counselling services.

2 Guenet Fresenbet Azmach Ethiopia G igi Ethiopia is a fashion design company which distinguishes itself by merging culture and art with high-quality fashion. It has two separate divisions; Gigi Haute Couture a clothing line focusing on dress wear for special occasions, using traditionally handloomed fabrics, and Made of Africa an accessory and home-decorating line which turns traditional utilitarian crafts into home designer items. It has 42 permanent workers and about 100 subcontractors who do hand loomed fabrics. It exports 50% of its production within Africa. It also has customers in the United States and Europe. Ms. Azmach has been selected as one of the top 16 among Africa s New Millennium Designers. It has represented Africa at 20 fashion shows. It also created the first fashion magazine in Ethiopia. The company s revenues have grown by 200% over the past three years. Founded by an artist and fashion designer, the company found its strength in creating unique pieces. The management challenges of the company have been addressed by Empretec training and business counselling services. After the training, Ms. Azmach restructured the company s purchasing department and started an incentive system for workers that helped generate loyalty and commitment. As a response to the financial crisis, which has negatively affected its exports, Ms. Azmach is adapting by focusing more on local markets. Ms. Azmach organized a local fashion show in May of last year. In 2009, for the first time, local sales exceeded exports. Gigi Ethiopia gigieth@ethionet.et I combine art with fashion. Each dress is a masterpiece! I back it with proper basic technical training and I get to create and produce the raw material for the clothing within my company and contribute to the safety of the environment.

Botswana xtramile Express was established in Botswana in 2004.

road, and air freight. It is registered to do business in South Africa, Namibia, and the United Kingdom.

That dream became reality in 2004 when she resigned from her job as a contract manager.

14 years. She decided to start small, but still opened branches at all major border posts in Botswana.

and positioned itself directly in competition with the quality of its staff and its services.

She realized the importance of financial planning.

She developed good working relationships with local authorities and banks and was granted funding to

additional 16- and 10-ton trucks. The 2008 global financial crisis had an adverse effect in Botswana.

Offices will be opening soon in the United States, China, Kenya, Singapore, India, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

3 Botswana xtramile Express was established in Botswana in It offers customsclearing services, bonded-warehouse distribution and messenger delivery for rail, sea, road, and air freight. It is registered to do business in South Africa, Namibia, and the United Kingdom. It has always been a dream of Joy s to have her own business. That dream became reality in 2004 when she resigned from her job as a contract manager. Joy saw the growing opportunities available in customs clearing, as she had worked in the industry for 14 years. She decided to start small, but still opened branches at all major border posts in Botswana. She also established a presence in Botswana s major trading partners by opening branches in Johannesburg and London. The company seized on the increasing need for effective customs clearing brought about by globalization and positioned itself directly in competition with the quality of its staff and its services. From the Empretec workshop, Joy learned how to train and develop her staff. She realized the importance of financial planning. Further improvements were made in targeting advertising campaigns. She developed good working relationships with local authorities and banks and was granted funding to buy an 850 square metre warehouse and expand the firm s fleet of vehicles from 11 to 13, with additional 16- and 10-ton trucks. The 2008 global financial crisis had an adverse effect in Botswana. Extramile took measures to reduce expenditures, but still maintained its expansion plans. Offices will be opening soon in the United States, China, Kenya, Singapore, India, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Staff development has been important to Extramile s success. Joy motivates her staff and encourages creativity, giving employees a sense of belonging. She provides extensive staff training on all aspects of the business and on interpersonal skills. Extramile Express PTY LTD j.simakane@extramile.co.bw With the growth in the market, there was a need for customs clearing. The opportunity was there for me to grasp.

A Lilian Okoro Nigeria t the Empretec workshop, the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) of Opportunity Seeking and Initiative motivated me to move outside the box from

It started with the participants of the Empretec workshop as a pioneer audience.

It has since transformed into the Peace for African Child Initiative, a motivational talk show aimed at developing and encouraging entrepreneurial skills in African youth, so

The Peace for African Child Initiative (PACI) is an educational entertainment business geared towards fostering entrepreneurial skills in young people across Africa.

parlour, all offering apprenticeships. The company started three years ago with 20 employees and currently has 45 full-time staff, excluding apprentices.

Today, despite a decrease in sponsorship as a result of the global economic crisis, PACI intends to expand to include schools and workshops to train artisans and motivate young

The business is unique because of its capacity to promote skills and human-resources development through seminars and apprenticeships in a range of companies affiliated with the

4 A Lilian Okoro Nigeria t the Empretec workshop, the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) of Opportunity Seeking and Initiative motivated me to move outside the box from my old job selling petroleum products to host a television talk show. This business idea came to me as a result of the discovery of my talent for motivational speaking. It started with the participants of the Empretec workshop as a pioneer audience. After the workshop, the show became a state television program presenting youth with unique entrepreneurial skills. It has since transformed into the Peace for African Child Initiative, a motivational talk show aimed at developing and encouraging entrepreneurial skills in African youth, so that they can be self-employed. The Peace for African Child Initiative (PACI) is an educational entertainment business geared towards fostering entrepreneurial skills in young people across Africa. It consists of a national television show and other branches of business affiliated with the Initiative, including a petrol station, an interlocking-stone factory and a beauty parlour, all offering apprenticeships. The company started three years ago with 20 employees and currently has 45 full-time staff, excluding apprentices. Its revenue has doubled over the past two years to more than US$135,000. Today, despite a decrease in sponsorship as a result of the global economic crisis, PACI intends to expand to include schools and workshops to train artisans and motivate young Africans to acquire diverse sets of skills. The business is unique because of its capacity to promote skills and human-resources development through seminars and apprenticeships in a range of companies affiliated with the Initiative. Employees of these businesses are trained to offer quality products and services to our growing clientele, empowering them to become self-employed. I see the business affecting the continent of Africa positively, motivating youth towards greater performance. I look forward to opening schools to train artisans in the next five years, and to emphasizing skill acquisition as the best strategy for entrepreneurial success. Persistence has been the key to the success of our conglomerate. The slogan all things are possible has been my watchword. Peace for African Child Initiative (PACI) paciafrica@yahoo.com I see the business affecting the continent of Africa positively, motivating youth towards greater performance. The slogan all things are possible has been my watchword.

Lina Hundaileh Jordan I decided to open a chocolate factory. Twenty-six years later, I decided to pursue new entrepreneurial endeavors.

Rafawed Consulting, in turn, provides mentoring and coaching services to women entrepreneurs.

Both companies, though very different, target fast-growing niche markets and have thrived as a result of their unique products and

Nevertheless, I was able to learn many new things and it opened my eyes and helped me pinpoint both my weaknesses and strengths.

Most importantly, it taught me to believe in myself and think big!

Being proactive and focused, I can see that the future lies in producing innovative products that can compete in the local market and

For example, in Rafawed Consulting, I am working on one major project: I am preparing a business plan to start an export house to help

5 Lina Hundaileh Jordan I decided to open a chocolate factory. Twenty-six years later, I decided to pursue new entrepreneurial endeavors. I started a new company, Chocolography, in 2009 that produces personalized chocolate gifts with beautiful calligraphy and images. Rafawed Consulting, in turn, provides mentoring and coaching services to women entrepreneurs. The firm was founded in 2009 and focuses on women s economic empowerment. Both companies, though very different, target fast-growing niche markets and have thrived as a result of their unique products and services. When I attended the EMPRETEC workshop in 2003, I had already been an entrepreneur for more than 10 years. Nevertheless, I was able to learn many new things and it opened my eyes and helped me pinpoint both my weaknesses and strengths. It also taught me how to take calculated risks, to plan, and to identify my goals more efficiently. Most importantly, it taught me to believe in myself and think big! My goal is to become a leader in the market and produce niche products that have a competitive advantage. Being proactive and focused, I can see that the future lies in producing innovative products that can compete in the local market and also tap into international markets where products are very expensive. I have big plans for both of the businesses. For example, in Rafawed Consulting, I am working on one major project: I am preparing a business plan to start an export house to help small- and medium-sized enterprises export to the United States and Europe. I will begin with pilot export-house projects in two sectors; processed food and Dead Sea products. Chocolography & Rafawed Consultin lina.hundaileh@gmail.com I am a chocoholic. I love chocolate! I was passionate about starting my own business, so I combined my passion for serving market demand with my love of chocolate Failure was not in my vocabulary.

D Lucia Desir Guyana & J Shipping Service was established in 1988.

D & J Shipping Service is the local representatives of Econocaribe Consolidators Inc., one of two companies in Florida (United States) to have customs operations at its warehouses.

Another major part of the firm s operations is in the packing and dispatching of diplomatic cargo.

Desir became involved with the UNCTAD Empretec programme at an opportune moment. After a difficult partnership split, she was struggling to maintain her remaining part of the business.

Through attending the Empretec training workshop she recognized the limitations of the original business prior to the split.

It allowed her to be one of the few agencies chosen to handle the shipments of diplomats that arrived in and departed from the country.

Having control over her business has allowed Ms. Desir to weather the impact of the global economic downturn.

6 D Lucia Desir Guyana & J Shipping Service was established in It is a locally owned business which focuses on shipping and shippingrelated operations: imports, exports, custom brokerage, packing and moving. D & J Shipping Service is the local representatives of Econocaribe Consolidators Inc., one of two companies in Florida (United States) to have customs operations at its warehouses. As licensed customs house brokers, D&J Shipping Service also collects revenues for the Guyana Revenue Authority and Customs & Trade Administration (GRA-CTA). Another major part of the firm s operations is in the packing and dispatching of diplomatic cargo. From 2006 to 2009, D & J Shipping Service has grown from seven to 15 employees, of which four women hold managerial positions. Ms. Desir became involved with the UNCTAD Empretec programme at an opportune moment. After a difficult partnership split, she was struggling to maintain her remaining part of the business. She was committed to rebuilding the firm but how was a big question: she had limited finances, yet was confident she had the skills needed to succeed in the shipping industry. Through attending the Empretec training workshop she recognized the limitations of the original business prior to the split. The biggest change was in her understanding of the importance of committing to contracts. This would become the root of her success. It allowed her to be one of the few agencies chosen to handle the shipments of diplomats that arrived in and departed from the country. She drew up her business plan and gained an understanding of the need to be able to provide professional services. As a result of professional management, her business has grown steadily. Having control over her business has allowed Ms. Desir to weather the impact of the global economic downturn. In Guyana, imports and exports were greatly reduced, but she took immediate action to strengthened internal controls and stepped up sales visits and advertisements. Fortunately, the diversity of the firm s operations provided a cushion: while imports and exports were down, the packing and moving of diplomats belongings and those of other citizen s rose. No staff had to be laid off. The company now is purchasing property for a new warehouse three times the size of the current one. Presently, Ms. Desir is looking forward to buying her own hauler truck, flatbed, and forklift for use when the warehouse is completed. D & J Shipping Service djss@guyana.net.gy In a few years, when Guyana returns to its original position as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, we will be right there, positioned to take advantage of those shipments and serve the community and the world in a bigger way.

I Maria de la Luz Osses Klein Chile have 16 years of experience in the mining industry. These include three years where I held a high-level position at a copper mine in northern Chile.

As the first woman to have held such a position since the mine was opened in 1915, I faced great challenges, but was able to develop my technical as well as emotional intelligence.

The motivation to create my own business came from a desire to manage my life independently, to continue my professional development and to have a work-life balance that would allow me

It develops innovative, patent-seeking biotechnology products which render production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly, thereby contributing to sustainable

But it has since expanded to other sectors, including fisheries. When I was introduced to Empretec, my business was in the so-called death valley.

overcome similar difficulties. I learned from their experiences, studied their strategies, and listened to their stories.

In 2009, Biotecnologías Antofagasta was certified and became limited company.

7 I Maria de la Luz Osses Klein Chile have 16 years of experience in the mining industry. These include three years where I held a high-level position at a copper mine in northern Chile. I supervised 75 engineers and more than 500 workers and technicians. As the first woman to have held such a position since the mine was opened in 1915, I faced great challenges, but was able to develop my technical as well as emotional intelligence. This experience set the base for my future achievements and gave me the strength to face other obstacles. The motivation to create my own business came from a desire to manage my life independently, to continue my professional development and to have a work-life balance that would allow me to devote time to my family. I started Biotecnologías Antofagasta in It develops innovative, patent-seeking biotechnology products which render production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Named after the key mining region of Antofagasta, the company was created in 2005 to cater to the mining industry. But it has since expanded to other sectors, including fisheries. When I was introduced to Empretec, my business was in the so-called death valley. During a period of great emotional, physical, and economic stress, taking the Empretec course allowed me to meet other entrepreneurs with more experience who had already endured and overcome similar difficulties. I learned from their experiences, studied their strategies, and listened to their stories. Empretec s workshop on entrepreneurial competencies provided oxygen to me and my firm, and I believe it saved the company. In 2009, Biotecnologías Antofagasta was certified and became limited company. I have kept 50% of the ownership and partnered with a holding of five mining companies called Grupo Latino S.A. It is with great pride that I say that, after beginning with only myself and a partner working part-time, the company now employs 18 people, 10 of whom are full-time. While the firm does not yet export, it has plans to expand in Latin America and beyond. In 2009, the firm won an award for Internationalization of Technologies from INNOVA, CORFO, and the IC2 Institute of the University of Texas. Biotecnologías Antofagasta S.A. mosses@biotecnologiasantofagasta.cl Our services go from the bottom of the earth (mining) to the bottom of the sea (fisheries). I live my enterprise every day. I live and share with all my staff all the moments, the difficulties, the achievements and the awards

Olga Lidia Arean Argentina C onservarte specializes in manufacturing, consulting on, and marketing preservation products.

I started with the development of preservation paper over ten years ago, and today I can say without false modesty that to date,

The shortcomings of the local market in terms of preservation materials, plus the widespread ignorance of the need for preserving

Our main challenge was to develop supplies and materials that could be used to preserve goods for over a century.

I also learned to take calculated risks and to set goals and to prepare a successful business plan.

My vision is to be Argentina s leader in consulting, manufacturing, and marketing of preservation products -- to become the

8 Olga Lidia Arean Argentina C onservarte specializes in manufacturing, consulting on, and marketing preservation products. These preserve goods of historic, artistic, or cultural heritage. I started with the development of preservation paper over ten years ago, and today I can say without false modesty that to date, ConservArte is the only manufacturer of conservation products of museographic quality in Latin America. The shortcomings of the local market in terms of preservation materials, plus the widespread ignorance of the need for preserving heritage, as well as the exorbitant prices asked for these products, were my motivations for starting this business. Our main challenge was to develop supplies and materials that could be used to preserve goods for over a century. Product development was a challenge, but the company has been able to meet the most stringent quality tests, locally and internationally. The next objective was to get our first patent for a process (unique in the world) that increases the preservation quality of our material. Thanks to my experience with the Empretec workshop, in the following months I reinforced the planning and monitoring of my company. I also learned to take calculated risks and to set goals and to prepare a successful business plan. The Empretec workshop also helped me to understand the importance of corporate social responsibility. My vision is to be Argentina s leader in consulting, manufacturing, and marketing of preservation products -- to become the referent for the local market. I am building and developing the brand with the goal that customers -- individuals and institutions will associate it with trust, confidence, and quality. My short-term goals include the development and production of acid-free paper, which does not deteriorate over time, and the creation of a professional center for product research and development, which will soon realized in the province of Buenos Aires. ConservArte S.A. olgaarean@conservarteonline.com.ar Preserving our heritage is more than a business for me; it s a passion!

The passion for cosmetics always guided my steps for the achievement of my dream: having my own company.

with the coffee tradition, which has been present in my family for six generations.

thousands of families. I wanted to launch something innovative. So I made the discovery of coffee benefits for the skin.

Training at Empretec gave me a significant business management basis, taught me to structure and overcome my limits, and

I use my knowledge acquired in the programme on a daily basis for strategic planning, establishment of goals, and

I had to study foreign countries sanitation legislation, adapt the components of the products we sell, and know

9 Vanessa de Figueiredo Vilela Araujo Brazil K apeh is an innovative cosmetics brand made from Certified Coffee Extract located in the south of the Minas Gerais traditional region for the cultivation of quality coffees. The passion for cosmetics always guided my steps for the achievement of my dream: having my own company. As I was born and live in the world s greatest coffee-producing region, I have tried to unite this passion for cosmetics with the coffee tradition, which has been present in my family for six generations. I sought new ways to add value to a commodity that is so important to our country, providing jobs and income for thousands of families. I wanted to launch something innovative. So I made the discovery of coffee benefits for the skin. I believe this product provides something unique. Training at Empretec gave me a significant business management basis, taught me to structure and overcome my limits, and to reinforce my strengths. I use my knowledge acquired in the programme on a daily basis for strategic planning, establishment of goals, and success in entrepreneurial behaviour. The greatest challenge was to adjust my products for export. I had to study foreign countries sanitation legislation, adapt the components of the products we sell, and know customers preference in each country. Social responsibility and quality of products are the pillars of my company. In 2 years, I have started to export to Portugal and the Netherlands, and the brand is already registered in 27 countries of the European Union. Besides export expansion, my goal is to expand sales throughout the national territory of Brazil, and within five years I plan having my own shops and franchises, diversifying products with new launches. Kapeh Cosméticos kapeh@kapeh.com.br I have a passion for cosmetics and wanted to launch something innovative. So I made the discovery of coffee benefits for the skin.

Viviyata Chivunga Zimbabwe V ivi Fashions started as a clothing manufacturing company, and then

More recently, it has developed its batik department.

made a strategic decision to diversify the operations of the company to hedge it against

I overcome this by employing experts in the finance department who assist me in the planning of my

During Empretec training, I also learned that risk taking is a very important business decision and

I became aware that things must be done systematically.

My workforce has doubled in the past three years.

10 Viviyata Chivunga Zimbabwe V ivi Fashions started as a clothing manufacturing company, and then shifted towards designing and making African attire and ethnic wear. More recently, it has developed its batik department. Following a careful assessment of market trends and developments within the textile industry, I made a strategic decision to diversify the operations of the company to hedge it against sector-specific risk. A decision was made to develop and grow the batik department. Batik products have a different market. One of the most challenging obstacles I ve faced in my business is inflation. I overcome this by employing experts in the finance department who assist me in the planning of my business. During Empretec training, I also learned that risk taking is a very important business decision and that at the end of the day one will be rewarded for one s ability to manage risk. I became aware that things must be done systematically. I was encouraged to employ skilled workers; prior to the training, I was not aware of the importance of employing experts. The company currently has 79 employees and exports to Botswana, South Africa, and Angola. My workforce has doubled in the past three years. Responding to decreased demand as a result of the global crisis, Vivi Fashions has maintained its high quality and has invested in the development of a wide range of innovative products that distinguish it from its competitors. These products include unique batik bags, carefully blended with leather. Vivi Fashions vivi@africaonline.co.zw Caring for people motivated me to start my own business. I have seen a number of unemployed people in this country creating employment for them is the best contribution I can make to society and the economy

Current cotton fiber market in Russia

Current cotton fiber market in Russia By Mr. Sechko M.S., President of «Russian Cotton Association» NP One of the priorities of economic growth and national safety of the country in developing market model