Today was a beautiful and meaningful event. We drove to Ashiaman, about a
one-hour drive north of Accra to participate in the graduation of an educational
program called "Master of Business in the Streets." Saturday was the last of
the three day course where people are taught how to start or improve their
existing businesses. There is a basic course for those who don't read/speak
English very well, then a course for small one person businesses where
owners learn how to improve their operational skills.
I attended class with a group of women who earn their living as street
vendors. These ladies are the ones who walk between the cars at stop lights
selling everything from cold drinks, to pencils, to peanuts from large silver
bowls perched on their heads. I learned that the items they sell are specific to
their chosen business, those bowls are their storefronts, so to speak. Their
accents were so thick that I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I also
had the feeling that my white skin was holding them back at first. During a
break I told them how amazed I am that can they balance those heavy bowls.
It wasn’t long before they were laughing showing me how they worked. One
lady who sells drinks that she makes, started strutting around chanting as she
does on the street. The other class members laughed and joined in the fun
pretending to hand her money. Delightful!
At the end of the day there was a graduation ceremony for these 50
participants. They were called to stage one by one as their name was read,
handed a diploma and had their picture taken. I’ve attended numerous
graduations through my years at BYU and with my own children, but none
matched the enthusiasm and excitement of this night. These people were
being recognized as learners, as businesspeople with vision, hope and
direction. It was thrilling!
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