On Friday, October 13th, a graduation ceremony was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room where 30 women were recognized for completing a manicure and pedicure training facilitated by non-profit organization Hope Haven Children’s Home and Empowerment Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize. The training also helped the participants with marketing skills, budgeting, work ethics, and the best strategies for starting and managing a business establishment.
Every successful participant received a token of completion and a starter kit with all the equipment and materials needed to start their entrepreneurial journey. The beneficial program also saw support from the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and the Belize Bank Limited. These two entities were crucial in providing management lessons, and according to the SPTC, they will assist with trade licenses to those opening a business.
During the training, Hope Haven’s project manager, Joellie Duarte, and instructors Veronica Edwards and Estephanie Avilez guided and encouraged the ladies. One of the participants shared that she is grateful for the opportunity to learn this trade. She thanked all those involved in making this program to empower women possible. The happy participants hope these programs continue and more women on the island take advantage of such incredible opportunities.
Hope Haven’s Natalie Arceo congratulated the graduates and commended them for their interest. She noted that they remained focused despite challenges and other commitments outside the program. “We celebrate and wish them all the best in their new journeys,” she said. The award ceremony ended with the distribution of certificates of completion. Afterward, everyone was invited for snacks and refreshments.
The mission of Hope Haven is to expand its services in the community and continue building an empowerment center specializing in training for women. Other activities include sewing classes, massage therapy, refrigeration, and financial literacy.
