Expected Activity
Originally, face to face trainings only had to be done with the top 100, during follow ups. However, due to a change in project strategy stipulated by GIZ (during the January 26 meeting,) and reiterated by MINEFOP during the January 27 partner meeting, it was agreed that for more effectiveness, face to face would be implemented with all 500 artisans.
Completed Activity
Bridge Africa successfully carried out face-to-face trainings in the 6 project regions.
Following feedback gotten from the Douala trainings, we came up with a checklist for the face-to-face trainings, which was shared with GIZ and approved. The checklist elements consisted of explaining, in a summarised form the 6 agreed videos; create the website of the artisan, train him/her on using the site; load at least 3 cover photos, 3 posts; add at least 2 products; add the phone number of the artisan on the site; have head of training in at least 1 day of field work; administer GIZ and BAV questionnaires. This approved checklist was scrupulously followed by coaches. Not only did they create websites, they also helped the artisan get original content for their sites. This was followed by explaining the 6 agreed modules to artisans.
This strategy change proved to be a turning point in the project, as we passed from organising 5 meetings to 505 meetings (5 mass trainings + 500 face to face), leading to a percentage increase in workload of 8333% (This can be gotten following the formula: Increase / Original Number × 100).
It also led to an increase in the required number of coaches, an increase in the number of working days, as a well as a change of personnel, all of which impacted the project budget, leading to a budgetary adjustment request.
Excerpts of face-to-face trainings can be seen here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFJI1PXxh7D7p46erQ3zUomOgaZLpLPne.
See checklist for face-to-face here: Checklist face-to-face
Follow up of top 100
Bridge Africa organised a follow up with the 100 most promising artisans to help take their businesses to the next level. During this process, artisans worked one-on-one with coaches to enhance their understanding of business and marketing concepts.
From these 100, twenty artisans were further selected to sell their products on Etsy.
The items of artisans put online can be found on our Etsy shop here https://www.etsy.com/shop/CameroonGallery