On Friday, 30 August, 21 UNMIL staff stepped into a new world of opportunity when they received their graduation certificates from the Small Business Management Programme.

Run jointly by the UNMIL Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC) and the Liberia Institute of Management, the programme is part of the mission’s endeavour to develop the capacity of national staff and help prepare them for new career opportunities when UNMIL eventually departs from Liberia.  
National Professional Information Officer Weah Karpeh was one of the programme participants.

“Liberia is looking for entrepreneurs. If this country is going to move forward, there is a need for more people to have insights into doing business, and this insight will not just come haphazardly,” said Karpeh. “We’ve now got better knowledge about how to do business and planning. Going through the rudimentary parts of the startup will enable you to succeed.”
Over the course of eight weeks beginning 20 May, the students attended evening classes three days per week. Following that, they also received four weeks of one-on-one coaching. 

“The journey has not been easy,” said Avril Fortuin, CEO of the Liberia Institute of Management. “Ninety nine per cent of you really had no idea of how to run a business. And now, not only has the knowledge come into your head, but it’s in your spirit, because we’re talking about the spirit of entrepreneurship, and this I hope you will carry for the rest of your life.”

Angelika Siaw, Deputy Chief of IMTC, said that as a former entrepreneur of ten years herself, she knows the value that small business brings to society. 

“UNMIL is so proud of all of you today for all of your hard work and the evenings you came and stayed late,” said Siaw. “You can make such a strong contribution to the future of your country.”

 “The subject matter is inspirational, especially in these times, because it’s a very important job opportunity that you have all had that chance to take,” said Director of Mission Support Hubert Price, who also likened one of his own challenges to that of starting a business. 

“I’ve got my plan that I want to learn to play the guitar. Every night, I go home and I’ve got the guitar, but usually I’m so tired by the time I get home I can’t quite get around to practicing,” he said. “But I learned a long time ago that if I keep working on my business plan, eventually I’ll get there.”

The Small Business Management Programme graduates include: Christopher Anthony, Chuka Gains, Delphine Mensa, Eliza Watkins, Emma Abdullai, Emmet Jones, Flomo Mulbah, James Fayiah, James Dolo, Jefferson Dopoe, Jerry Maikanti, Kpannah Sartee, Lydia James, Nathalene Fairley, Paddy Ilos, Robert Dwuye, Emmanuel Youjay, Robertson Monboe, Roger Zappy, Salian Subah, and Weah Karpeh.