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As a single mother with a dream of becoming an entrepreneur, Petrina Chandro,Ian Kinsler Team USA Jersey, who easily understood the needs of working parents, had no difficulty in deciding what to venture out in.Petrina ChandroWithout much thought, the aspiring businesswoman decided that she would open a daycare to assist parents like herself.She had an idea how to turn high-quality childcare into a profitable business but given the cost of proper staffing,Francisco Rodriguez Team Venezuela Jersey, toys and equipment, she knew it will be difficult for her.However, thanks to a micro credit programme – Women of Worth (WOW)- founded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited,Daniel Pinero Team Canada Jersey, Chandro’s dream became a reality.The programme was launched in June 2010 to financially assist single parent women across the country.With two loans, Chandro was able to open Precious Lives Daycare in 2010 with 15 children. Today the center caters for 43 children and has two assistants.Her facility is located in La Penitence, Georgetown.In a recent interview,Jonathan Lucroy Team USA Jersey, Chandro related how beneficial the programme has been for her.She explained that she had just completed a Child Care Course when she found out about the WOW programme and immediately took advantage of it.She first took a $250,000 loan which was used to make her facility a “kid-friendly”Some of the children at the daycare yesterday.zone after which she took another to expand her business.As the business continues to grow,Martin Prado Team Venezuela Jersey, Chandro has more money for herself and her family.Kaieteur News was told that the main purpose of the WOW programme is to remove the obstacles single parent women face in society,Nick Pivetta Team Canada Jersey, to enhance their self-esteem,Carlos Gonzalez Team Venezuela Jersey, to empower them to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them, and to increase their participation in society.“We had single parents who come and register with us. From that list,Pat Neshek Team USA Jersey, the WOW programme was developed to assist them if they want to start up a small business for themselves. It could be hairdressing, sewing or whatever they choose,” head of the programme, Donna Short-Gill explained in an interview.So far, 1,100 women have accessed the WOW loans,Marcus Stromanv Team USA Jersey, which are open to those aged between 18 and 60.Participants range from unmarried teenage mothers, to divorcees, widows and women who have escaped domestic abuse.There is currently an interest rate of six percent. The loans are repaid over a two-year period.Kaieteur News was told that some persons have expanded from selling sweets to opening clothing shops. |
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