Empower 75+ HIV South African Teen Runners

We have encouraged the PTOR members to begin thinking about potential income generating projects using some of your donations as seed money. HFL has always believed that any project we undertake should be viewed as teaching opportunities and not simply as financial gains.

Some of the suggested ideas they sent us are questionable and don't appear to have much promise yet the ideas continue to flow which is delightful. We are excited by the dialogue these conversations are generating. The teens are young, inexperienced and currently ill equipped to understand all of the ramifications associated with potential business ventures but our questions and suggestions have led them to think about finances, marketing, accounting and sales opportunities. These are wonderful teaching opportunities for them.

The PTOR group is currently entertaing the idea of buying 2 cameras and a photo printer. They believe that since many schools and local creches have activities scheduled, a 'same-time' photo enterprise would be succesful. Photos would be taken and printed while people are waiting...much like the old time Polaroid instant photos. We see several gaps in their plan but we also want to avoid discouraging them and hope that this idea will flourish. Sometimes small failures bring about valuable insight and oftentimes success occurs when and where you least expect it so we are "holding our thumbs" in anticipation.

We do have a backup business idea for them but would like to hear from you, their 'investors'. Are there business ideas you think they should consider? What pitfalls do you suggest they avoid? What skills should they develop? What advice would you give these eager youngsters?

Thank you. We hope to hear from you and we'll keep you posted.