Maima, 29, is one of the beneficiaries of the Agro Vocational Training Program organized by our partner Self Help Initiative for Sustainable Development (SHIFSD). The programme aims at bridging the huge skills gap among young people, especially in the emerging agro processing industries in Liberia. Maima, who was just a casual labourer at the Falama Agro Processing Plant, benefited from the seven months Agro-vocational and small business management skills training. After being trained in Agro Entrepreneurship, and with improved skills and motivation, Maima was promoted to the position of Production Manager at the Falama Agro Processing Plant in Bomi County, Liberia.

Prior to the skills training, Maima could not earn sufficient income due to lack of basic skills. Her wages as daily causal labourer was an equivalent of $20 monthly. With new business skills acquired, Maima established her own shop, selling processed cassava related products like super gari, fufu, flour, among others.

Maima income has improved significantly. She earns up to US$100 per month as a Production Manager. She also earns LD$8,000 or US$40.00 per month as net profit from her own shop as a part time business. With the improvement in her income, Maima is able to meet the basic needs of her household and other family members in difficult situation. She has purpose to someday expand her business into the 15 counties of Liberia.