As part of its programme to empower the Local Community, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya has launched Economic Upliftment Project.
 

A Community trainer, who has been working with Women Groups and has been extensively involved as a Trainer in mobilizing groups to initiate income generating activities, had been assigned to visit six selected Centres. Her brief was to meet the Community, familiarize with the area and undertake survey of viable projects for Economic upliftment.
 

In her reports, she recommended that prior to undertaking Income generating programmes, BMMK commences with group formation, training and Savings club mobilization. Thereafter group funds be provided for Group or Individual income generating ventures. 

BMMK embarked on training for Business Management / Savings Mobilization and Leadership skills to Bilal Muslim Women Group of Mackinon Road Centre at Jaffery Madrasa, Mackinon Road Centre, Kwale District on 4th June- 15th June 2007.

 The purpose of the workshop was to train the women group with Business and leadership skills which will improve their individual and group businesses. This includes organizing and managing groups, identify and run a profitable business and handle the customers.
 
 
The training took ten days. In the first four days, Business Management training was conducted. This was followed by savings mobilization training whereby the women grouped together in a savings club. The training was about how a woman can have her own saving by keeping the small amount she gets from her small individual business.
 
Leadership training was also conducted. The purpose of the training was to impart the woman with leadership skills to enable them understand their roles and to run their group effectively.

Results
 
Savings club has been formed and members are making regular contributions. Group project on buying and selling of traditional goats has been set up. Baseline data for business project proposals from selected women has also been received.

 

Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya would like to thank all those involved in this training programme. The next training session will inshallah be held for the Rural Centre of Burani in September 2007. Special thanks go to the Federation of K.S.I. Jamats of Africa for sponsoring the Economic Upliftment training programme.