TWINAGURE – Interview

Writing : How have SOPAD programs helped you?  

Francine :  With SOPAD, I gained new knowledge, especially in entrepreneurship. I now know that I can start and operate a small business because I have knowledge in the processing and marketing of agro-food products.  

Writing : If you had capital, what would you do?

Francine : I would start by collecting cereals used to make porridge flour. Initially, I would have my ingredients ground at a mill. If the business adapts, I would buy my own mill and establish a small factory. Anything is possible!

Writing :  What motivates you in your vision?     

Francine : I often encounter begging women with malnourished children under the scorching sun. My wildest desire is to help these children. I will do everything possible, and I believe that sooner or later, I will achieve it.

Writing : According to you, what prevents young people from getting involved in small trades?

Francine : Most young people hope to be employed by the public sector and neglect small trades, while they could start with a small shop and later establish a large store or grocery. It all depends on will and determination. Also, they don't like manual labor, which makes them very lazy.     

Writing : What advice would you give to these young people?

Francine : I often say, it's never too late to start. If we're fortunate to have benefactors who give their all to encourage us to work and become self-reliant, it's not for nothing. Even if we expect a good-paying job, it's better to try something else while waiting. There are young people who, after school, go home to wait for an office job and unfortunately end up not getting one. Either they would have wasted time when they start their businesses, or they will simply miss out on life by adopting bad behaviors. We often see young people who, due to unemployment, turn to alcohol and drugs, or young girls who engage in promiscuity to make easy money. It's really a shame.

I would say to these young people, ... what does it cost to try? You can start by raising a chicken and later build a poultry farm, or why not a farm? It all depends on determination.    

Writing : What call would you make to young women wandering the streets?

Francine : Except for those who beg, most young women who want to work engage in small business, carrying a basket of items on their heads, a child on their backs, and all under the scorching sun. It's true, life is tough like that, but there is always a way to make things easier. It's just a matter of organizing into a group and then negotiating a workspace in a trading center. This way, they won't be harassed by law enforcement who consider this kind of activity as prohibited.