Tanzania EcoVentures BEST Game training (Environmental Enterprise Development Initiative)

Partner(s):

EcoVentures International (EVI) explores and implements entrepreneurial innovations in sustainable livelihoods & sustainable development. EVI is recognized for new approaches to green enterprise development, effective youth programs, environmental microenterprise strategies, & collaborative community development. EVI runs green enterprise projects, direct training and training-of-trainer programs, facilitates market linkage and value chain development, manages learning networks and dialogues, and develops training curriculum and other environmental enterprise learning tools. EVI research and programs include environmental enterprises related to renewable energy, water, agriculture, organics, non-timber forest products, recycling, natural fibers, and alternative fuels. More information on EcoVentures may be accessed on their website http://www.eco-ventures.org

Our Involvement:

Unlike regular SAIE entrepreneurship training programs which are carried out within South Africa, SAIE routinely conducts international trainings. In most cases, independent agents conduct the training after receiving master trainer training from SAIE. In other cases, SAIE service providers and staff may conduct the training on behalf of the firm. The training is usually customized to meet the unique characteristics of the recipient groups.

Project Progress:

In July 2007 EVI sponsored one BEST Game to our Environmental Enterprise Development Initiative (EEDI) in Arusha to be shared by several member organizations. EVI ran a Training of Trainers (ToT) with partner members in Arusha funded entirely by EVI (12 participants). The participants were thrilled with the training and quickly organized workshops for their own organizations. This set the foundation for many workshops in Arusha and created much enthusiasm for everyone involved. Even though the English version of the BEST Game was used for first language Swahili speakers, the training went very well. EVI has ‘certified’ one local member of the EEDI as a BEST Game trainer, which does not prevent others from using BEST Game, but ensures a particular level of quality should this trainer wish to deliver the training to other organizations and show a certificate to prove competency. To date, approximately 6 trainings have taken place in Arusha, including with women and youth from The Church of God-Arusha, Ngarenaro Youth Development Program, and Women Environmental Enterprise Program (WEEM).

EVI plans to use the BEST Game in 2008 to train the 40 plus women trained as producers and entrepreneurs of alternative fuel briquettes in the Lushoto District. We hope to use the local Arusha trainer to conduct these trainings.

EVI plans to translate the BEST game into KiSwahili to be able to reach many more communities in the East African region and is awaiting funds from our annual fundraiser to pay a high quality translator to do this.

Funder:

Product:

International Projects

Location:

Not specified.

Project Completion: