Young Women Entrepreneurs of Kaolack (J-FEK)
| Year | Number of
Students |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 25 |
Jeune Filles Entrepreneuses de Kaolack (J-FEK), Young Women Entrepreneurs of Kaolack, started in January 2003 both out of necessity and as a second chance.
- Out of necessity since the 10,000 Girls program
needed to be economically sustainable. (During its entire
history, the 10,000 Girls program has received no funding from
the government of Senegal, federal, regional or local).
- As a second chance for girls who have either been excluded from school or have otherwise finished their education. But who sought employment, opportunity, and additional training for the workforce.
The J-FEK program runs six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 6PM. The program provides training in Cooking, Baking, Accounting, Management, Sewing, Marketing and Sales.
Moreover, in cooperation with Suffolk University Dakar, J-FEK has recently expanded its offerings in Computer Literacy. Skills now taught include using productivity applications such as MS Word and Excel, and learning Graphic Design and Web Content Management. (In fact, two members of J-FEK serve as administrators for 10000girls.org. And J-FEK now has its own Computer Club).
Below, the Jeune Filles Entrepreneuses de Kaolack Vocational Training Program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | Semester Two | |
| Sewing | French. Math. Basic Sewing 1 (needle and thread). Basic Sewing 2 (machine). Cutting 1 (basic). Cutting 2(complex). Sewing 1 (simple ensembles). Sewing 2(complex ensembles). | French. Math. Embroidery. Tailoring. Pattern design. Beadwork. Patchwork. Quilting. Crocheting. Knitting. |
| Cooking | French. Math. Basic nutrition. Local foods. National foods. International foods. Simple vegetable preparation. Main dishes | French. Math. Soups. Salads. Hor d'oeuves. Breads. Desserts. Specialty foods. Catering. Menu planning |
| Year Two | ||
| Business
Administration |
Basic Accounting. Marketing. Distribution. Packaging. Computer literacy (emphasis on Word and Excel). Business English. Leadership. Character Development. | |
| Applied Skills
Program |
Each participant is assigned to a Senior Level One or Level Two mentor already active in Celebration Baked Goods or Celebration Sewing Workshop. | |
| Senior Participants | ||
| Level One | Participants who have acquired demonstrated skills in sewing or cooking and are in supervised training in Celebration Baked Goods or Celebration Sewing Workshop. | |
| Level Two | Participants who are supervising the day to day operation of Celebration Baked Goods or Celebration Sewing Workshop. | |
| Level Three | Participants who are being placed in positions in the public and private sector, or who are starting their own business. | |
(For more information on the two business ventures these young ladies manage, Celebration Baked Goods and Celebration Sewing Workshop, please visit Celebration).