From August 15 to 19, an in person new training workshop took place at the Indigenous Cultural and Training Centre (CCFI). Funded by the Panamerican Foundation for Development (FUPAD) and taught by the Evaldo Lodi Institute (IEL), its objectives were to provide information and basic knowledge on the organization of small and medium companies (PyMES), based on concepts and models like that of Canvas.
It was mainly aimed at indigenous people of the Warao, Taurepang, Akawaio and Kariña tribes, who had participated in previous courses promoted by the CCFI, such as Dressmaking, Shoemaking, Sweet and Salty Bakery, and Hairdressing, and who showed interest in starting their own companies.
The group had 17 students and a teacher from the IEL, with the support of two members of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF).
Results Achieved
- The beginning of a change in the way of thinking of the participants, who began to perceive themselves not only as beneficiaries and students, but also as entrepreneurs.
- It prompted the development and empowerment of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs who are being accompanied by the team, and it’s an important step in this trajectory, which continues with the opening of a new space for enterprises in the CCFI, the Arintak Space – Incubator of Indigenous Enterprises.
When asked about her experience as an instructor, the teacher Jakeline Rodríguez tells us that for her, “it has been a privilege, in getting to know both the Indigenous Cultural and the Training Centre and this wonderful group of indigenous entrepreneurs who truly have a purpose in life, eagerness, and a great determination to grow. They were 5 wonderful days,… and I think this kind of training should be continuous, because many entrepreneurs don’t succeed in developing their enterprises due to fear, lack of knowledge, and many times through a lack of guidance.”
She concludes by emphasizing: “That’s why I applaud the initiative of the CCFI for bringing in partners to help, and bringing tools for each of the entrepreneurs. They can count on Publigráfica 2021 for all the projects the Humanitarian Fraternity (FIHF) may have for developing the enterprising spirit.”
Later, asking the indigenous Warao student, Ángel Silva, about his experience and what he learned during the course, he tells us that he is very grateful because “as indigenous people, it will serve us for future times.”
Ángel Silva also thanks the Humanitarian Fraternity (FIHF) because it always follows along with what we are doing. And he continues by saying “We will always hold this experience in our hearts, and in the street, we’ll manifest the knowledge we have been receiving during this training.” “We’ll continue to be there, watching, so everything goes well, because it’s our future. First we have to train ourselves, to then be able to carry it out. We have to learn to think for ourselves and for our indigenous siblings, and the non-indigenous ones as well, to then put it into practice, which is what the family and society need.”
