Small-Business Development
General education is essential to the development of the whole person.
However, in a country, where professional jobs are all but non-existent, Abukloi also helps students develop practical, vocational skills. We thank:
-
the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University (VA) for providing teaching modules to show students how to create business plans, and
-
Quality Life Services for sending volunteers to train students on using business plans and providing micro-loans to help student start-ups
Examples of student-designed businesses include:
Agricultural Products and Storage
Retail Businesses
Car Wash Business
Handcrafts Business
Loans are awarded on a points system:
0-50 points - Potential for Success
-
Total amount needed to start and operate the business
-
Risk vs. Potential Profit
-
Preparedness and understanding of the business of team members/individuals involved in the plan
-
Amount of personal investment already committed and/or given.
0-25 points - Inclusiveness
-
Gender inclusiveness
-
Community participation
0-25 points - Positive Economic Impact on Abukloi Secondary and Rumbek
Commerce Teacher Henry Deng and Director Justin Mathok work with the graduates, coaching them toward success. The money paid back on these interest-free microloans is used to fund next year's businesses.