A group of 11 young ladies were recognized with their certificates of completion at the Hidden Treasure restaurant on Friday, March 24th, after successfully participating in a training dubbed ‘Women in Business.’ The preparation, which initially was to last for two weeks, ended up extending to three weeks. During this time, the participants learned marketing skills, practiced good work ethics, and learned the essentials needed to start a small business.
The project was spearheaded by the local non-profit organizations Est/Her (which stands for Establishing Her for More, supporting abused or at-risk women) and SHINE (Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment). The program benefiting the 11 participants was made possible with the collaboration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize.
During the program’s closing ceremony, the Chief of the Taiwanese Technical Mission in the country, Robert Pan, congratulated the participants and thanked everyone involved. He emphasized that the workshop aimed at empowering Belizean women as the world moves away from the COVID-19 pandemic. Pan noted that one of their missions has been to empower Belizean women, and they will continue providing such support.
The Project Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexya Perez, encouraged the female participants to continue growing in their trade. “Don’t consider this achievement small; believe in yourself, be proud of the work you have done so far because it’s these little things that cause rippling effects to greater things for this country and the economy,” said Perez. On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the MFA, Perez thanked the representatives of the Taiwanese technical group for their continued partnership with Belizean groups. Perez noted that because of such associations, these opportunities reach many people nationwide.
Afterward, one of the program’s participants, Iliana Cob, shared her experience with everyone on stage. She thanked the instructors and everyone for the opportunity to learn new techniques and retain helpful information regarding entrepreneurship. She heartfully thanked everyone involved in the program that gave her and the other participants such a remarkable opportunity.
Immediately after, the certificates of completion and appreciation were issued. The first to receive this was Einer Gomez Jr., for his contribution as a marketing instructor. The following certificate of appreciation went to Josue Sosa (not present). He taught the subject called effective business planning.
Next, all the women participating and completing the program were recognized with their certificates. The awardees include Denise Sanchez, Erica Ixim, Karissa Vasquez, Maria Elena Godines, Alexie Williams, Ilian Leticia Cob, Sherry Sanchez, Andrea Coc, Ezra Jacobs, Xenika Armstrong, and Perla Morales.
Before the event wrapped up, the Executive Director of Est/Her Chelsea Muñoz took the opportunity to congratulate the island women for completing the program. She told them they are now better prepared to face any potential challenge as they venture into entrepreneurship. Muñoz thanked the Taiwanese technical group for their vital support and the brave women who took the challenge to become women in business.
