Youth need job skills, employment, and encouragement. Farmers, especially in developing communities, need fair prices and access to markets through trading partnerships based on dialogue, transparency and respect. The Earth needs sustainable production. Rebuilding Alliance asks your help to launch an entrepreneurship program for young people, focused specifically on the sale of Fair Trade products starting with Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil from Palestine, to give youth a chance.
Few jobs exist for young people in today's economy. All the good things that a job brings - independence, responsibility, learning - is lost to young people who so need these opportunities. Young people especially need jobs that put their talents to use and make a real difference in the world. Entrepreneurship and job training, coupled with jobs that connect them with community, help them earn money, and advance Fair Trade feels like a win-win for all.
Each training program will meet weekly for 2 months to discuss entrepreneurship and Fair Trade. Speakers will include Fair Trade associations, small business owners, SCORE advisers, potential customers and telecon calls with Fair Trade producers overseas. We'll provide mentoring to help participants develop their own entrepreneurship plans focused on bringing Fair Trade products to their neighborhoods. Graduates will be invited to become Fair Trade Associates for Rebuilding Alliance.
This project will directly help 160 youth, ages of 16-24, learn about Fair Trade & how to start their own business as they bring good nutrition to their neighborhoods. They will benefit financially through employment, building their resumes and leadership skills. Rebuilding Alliance will convene these training programs at our shop, community colleges and/or high schools and internationally, via scholarships at 4 youth-based entrepreneurship centers in Gaza & West Bank to empower young people.
This project has provided additional documentation in a XLSX file (projdoc.xlsx).
