CC-ASTD Makes a Difference in Africa
Teaching Money Management
by Janet Harding
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world. In
deed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
The plight
of Africa had been bothering me for some time. I recently saw the movie Hotel
Rwanda and recalled that after WWII, the world promised to never let another
Holocaust happen. Didn’t that include Africa? But what could one person,
hundreds of miles away and with limited funds, do for a continent with such
mind-boggling issues? Being part of this project was my opportunity to make
a difference.
The GAA partner I worked with was WIA, Women in Action. WIA operates a day care program for orphans, provides home-based AIDs care, and awards small business grants to widows. Our visits were enlightening and prepared us well for our training.
I was the first presenter. Talk about butterflies. My unit on Money Management had two goals:
1. Help the GAA partners coach their clients—widows who were recipients of small grants—set up and manage a small business.
2. Help the partners better manage the income from the business activities of their own organizations.
The day started with an example using local produce and modes of transportation. We were told that participants might interact only when prompted, and with responses that would “please” Westerners—NOT! Two minutes into my presentation, a hand shot up and I was informed of the “preferred” mode of transportation in Africa and the “correct” name of the produce.
You can imagine how I was feeling at that moment. I smiled and explained that we would spend the day “learning from each other” and that my only reason for being there was to help ensure the long-term survival of their organizations so they can continue helping widows and vulnerable children in Africa. That was the moment they accepted me and, indeed, our entire group. Yes, we were there to share our expertise, but I also accepted and embraced the fact that we would learn a great deal from each other.
Life in this part of the world is difficult, but the African people we met were incredibly resilient and committed to their own development. This journey was life-changing, and I was honored to have been part of this project.
Janet Harding is Senior Trainer at Washington Mutual Bank, which has a strong commitment to community development. Washington Mutual donated funds and notepads for the children. Janet’s Chicagoland Chapter • American Society for Training & Development colleagues sold popcorn during local training classes. The money raised went to school supplies and grant money for WIA. Janet can be contacted at: jhardin14@hotmail.com.
Continue
Promoting Business Marketing
For solutions that work, contact Donna Steffey at Vital Signs today!