LocationsSupporting Youth-Owned Business Growth and Sustainability with the Kaizen Training
March 14, 2024
This initiative underscores UNDP's commitment to empowering young people and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In a transformative initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Japan is providing the Kaizen training to about 300 business owners, which comprises of mostly young people in Northeast Nigeria (Adamawa, Borno and Yobe State). This training aims to equip them with the essential tools and knowledge to ensure that they thrive in their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.
Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning "change for the better" or "continuous improvement," is a philosophy deeply rooted in the Japanese culture of efficiency and excellence. It emphasizes making gradual improvements in processes, systems, and practices over time. This approach promotes an innovative, adaptable, and proactive problem-solving culture, which are essential qualities for success in today's dynamic business sector. Kaizen training is usually carried out by professionals who provide comprehensive support to business owners using the Kaizen methodology. Participants will learn about the Kaizen techniques, and tools, which are presently used to great effect by some of the world's top and most successful companies in South Africa, Tanzania, Russia and Yemen(under a UNDP project to improve health facilities).
Prior to this training, the participants embarked on an 8-week vocational skills training and where they had the opportunity to choose from a variety of trades. Additionally, they received business startup grant to kickstart their businesses. The Kaizen specialists conducted visits to their business places to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. This hands-on approach not only allowed the specialist to understand the unique challenges faced by each entrepreneur but also provided valuable insights into the specific needs of their businesses and communities.
The Kaizen training is a comprehensive program designed to instil a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency among the participants. Through interactive workshops, practical exercises, and real-world case studies from other businesses, the entrepreneurs will learn how to streamline their processes, eliminate waste, and enhance the quality of their products and services. The training content also includes human rights mainstreaming mindset change to boost social cohesion, integration of people of different gender, and Persons with Disabilities. By the end of the training, the participants are able to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and in-turn contribute positively to the socio-economic development of their communities.
This initiative underscores UNDP's commitment to empowering young people and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that no one is left behind. The partnership between UNDP and the government of Japan aims at supporting conflict-affected communities in Nigeria and has manifested through a range of impactful interventions - from providing essential resources and infrastructure to fostering economic opportunities and capacity-building initiatives.
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