Vocational training, a recipe for success
After participating in Plan International's salesperson training programme, Sapana used her business management, customer service, inventory management, and financial tracking skills to open her own restaurant and become financially independent.
Sapana’s journey
At just 23 years old, Sapana is a thriving entrepreneur, running her own restaurant business in the metropolitan city of Pokhara. Earning up to 5000 rupees (USD 37) per day and actively saving for the future, Sapana has found financial independence and happiness in her daily life. However, her journey to this point was not without its challenges.
Sapana hails from a rural district in the Gandaki province and completed her education up to grade 12. She got married at a young age, and her husband frequently worked abroad to support the family financially. Sapana was left to manage the household and engage in farming activities in the village. Despite her hard work, financial stability remained elusive, taking a toll on her emotional and mental well-being. Strained relations with her mother-in-law further compounded her difficulties.
A lifeline through training
In search of better opportunities, Sapana made the courageous decision to leave her village and head to Pokhara. However, finding work was a daunting task. Her journey took a fortunate turn when she learned about vocational training opportunities offered by Right4Children and Plan International Nepal under the Promoting Young Women in Employment Project, Pokhara (PYWEP).
“I decided to take the sales person training, which has proved to be a blessing for me.”
Sapana
Sapana shares, “I decided to take the sales person training, which has proved to be a blessing for me.” Over 3 months of training, she gained invaluable skills in business management, customer service, inventory management, and financial tracking. In addition to these practical skills, she received training in computer usage, the English language, security, and crucial life skills, including psychosocial counselling.
Sapana particularly appreciated the psychosocial counselling training, which empowered her with the emotional strength and determination needed to pursue her dreams.
Empowered to pursue entrepreneurship
Inspired by the training, Sapana decided to open a small restaurant business, believing in the power of entrepreneurship. Her path was not without obstacles. She faced resistance from her husband, who initially advised against it.
Sapana used the psychosocial counselling training to communicate her aspirations persuasively to her husband. “Calmly, I told my husband about my plan. I put the life skills acquired from training into practice and convinced my husband.”
With a solid business plan and the support of PYWEP, Sapana launched her restaurant in Pokhara. The organisation provided essential resources, including tables, chairs, racks, dishware, refrigerators, and more, facilitating the establishment of her business.
A thriving entrepreneur
Today, Sapana’s restaurant is evidence of her determination and resilience. She manages the business with the help of her brother, who is skilled in cooking, while she handles the managerial aspects. Her prior experience working in a hotel enables her to provide her customers with delicious and satisfying meals.
She shares her progress with her husband, who has become supportive and proud of her achievements. Sapana’s vision is to grow the business further, and when her husband returns to Nepal after paying off their debts, they plan to run it together.
“Calmly, I told my husband about my plan. I put the life skills acquired from training into practice and convinced my husband.”
Sapana
Sapana expresses her deep gratitude to Right4Children and Plan International Nepal for their instrumental role in her journey. Their support, along with her newfound skills and determination, has transformed her life. Sapana’s story is proof of the power of education, training, and entrepreneurship in empowering women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Skills and work, Lifeskills training, Livelihoods, Vocational training
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