Celebrating Milestones and Fostering Connections: WITH Information Sessions and Networking Events in Malawi and Uganda
Equip Consulting Group and Gift Women Link Foundation, partners of the Project, organised information sessions on 2nd and 17th May in Malawi and Uganda, respectively. The events aimed to raise awareness of the WITH Project and foster meaningful networking opportunities. Attended by more than 40 people each including stakeholders from the VET institutions, tourism, and hospitality sectors (hotels, bars, lodges) and representatives of national and local governments.
The session in Malawi was conducted by Equip Consulting Group delivering a comprehensive overview of the Project, highlighting its objectives and key achievements to date and emphasizing the importance of equipping young women with skills vital for success in tourism and hospitality and the sustainable economic development across Sub-Saharan Africa.
During the session, Mrs. Wonanji Saka Sande, a successful entrepreneur in the accommodation sector since 2020, shared invaluable insights and lessons from her journey. Her speech not only inspired attendees but also provided practical guidance for navigating the industry, aligning closely with the goals of the WITH Project. Moreover, the event facilitated discussions and networking among attendees, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Technical, Entrepreneurial, and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Malawi Institute of Tourism and Don Bosco Technical College.
On the other hand, the information session in Uganda was carried out by Gift Women Link Foundation and brought the opportunity to spark debate and synergies with the attendees and inform about the upcoming training starting in September to November 2024.
Participants were positive about the impact of the project and some of them that were also part of the Capacity-Building Programme (a course within the framework of WITH to support educators and trainers in updating their knowledge to ensure the delivery of up-to-date trainings in the future) expressed their thoughts about the project.
Mrs. Biira Godyess, a local business owner, claimed:
“I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of Project WITH on our economy. By supporting small-scale entrepreneurs with training and skills, the initiative has not only boosted knowledge but also fostered a sense of community pride in Tourism and Hospitality. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful project”.
Furthermore, the sessions highlighted the upcoming trainings that will benefit young women on the soft skills and personal and social competences to succeed as intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs and business owners in the tourism and hospitality industry in the Sub-Saharan Africa countries.
These events have marked a significant milestone for the WITH Project in the Boosting Women Entrepreneurship Education in Tourism and Hospitality reaffirming the strong commitment of the stakeholders and the dedication to empowering young women to be agents for the sustainable development in tourism and hospitality in the region.
