Project Report
| Apr 8, 2020
Keeping the Focus on our Global Mission
![First Lady Ghani of Afghanistan and PTB Graduates]()
First Lady Ghani of Afghanistan and PTB Graduates
MAINTAINING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Typically, IEEW would be doing a final review on PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® Class of 2020 grades, attendance, and both written and oral business plan presentations. Luckily, in Afghanistan, the presentation process and graduation were sped up because many students that are also members of the Afghan Women's Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AWCCI) thought they would be heading to the United Nations in New York, and to Washington, DC, for an unprecedented Afghan Women Made trade show and fashion show to encourage exports of their goods and demonstrate the advancements made in their industries. Of course, that's not happening right now. Meanwhile, in Rwanda, students were restricted from attending their last week of class and having the privilege of presenting their business plans to the independent panel that not only grades the oral presentation but also offers the chance to hear expert feedback from the panel. Each detail of IEEW's in-country business education program offers women entrepreneurs real-world experience that helps them take their businesses to the next level, teaching each student tools designed to create sustainable, financially sound operations.
As IEEW staff and facilitators navigate the unknown, we've found that one thing is certain - that things are definitely UNcertain and unprecedented in our time. Thankfully, technology has permeated our world to such a degree that even war challenged and emerging countries have access to internet service and mobile wireless. Mobile tech is the most advanced. To avoid internet outages, a real test for Rwanda will begin this week as we ask each 2020 student to use technology to record their own business plan presentation and submit it to the independent committee responsible for grading oral presentations. IEEW has also called on American supporters to grade plans and offer feedback that can be used to improve the presentation.
IEEW is no stranger to working in a global environment. Contact with eMentors, volunteers, students, and 800 alumnae happens around the globe. Just this morning, as usual, IEEW spoke to facilitator Chantal Munanayire from the safety of our own homes in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Kigali via WhatsApp. Then, staff had our Monday morning meeting using Google Duo. Working in the cloud is now an old-school habit for our worldwide team. However, some of our students and sponsors do not have this luxury. Jan, owner of Eden Salon in Oklahoma City and long time IEEW supporter, has had to suspend salon services while the state is experiencing a shelter in place policy.
"Our business [salon and services] depends on direct personal contact with our guests, so we are unable to be open. Honestly, I feel and hear that the staff miss our guests and each other more than they worry about getting sick, but they are being smart by staying in and staying strong!" - Jan
The PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS ® program was founded on the idea that economically stable societies have a much greater capacity for peace. Small business has always been the backbone for economic stability, and IEEW believes that diversity is the key to development. This philosophy has never been more tested than throughout the past fourteen years of educating women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda that continuously persevere through one misfortune after another. Supporters of IEEW, whether student, volunteer, or sponsor, will be the inspiration needed to weather through the storm caused by COVID-19 / coronavirus around the globe. With that, we sincerely thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support for the IEEW mission.
We ask that you continue to remember us and why we do what we do - empower women through thick and thin - inspire societies toward peace and stability through our unique educational program. As our long-time supporter from Northwood University, Dr. Fegan, always and often stressed, there is always an opportunity in every challenge. In the USA, Congress and the President have expanded the tax credit for donating to 501(c)3 nonprofits, meaning that your support is now going to benefit you even more. Bipartisan leadership understands that nonprofits are, like small businesses, a vital part of our prosperity. Every dollar counts. If you have time today, donate and support our mission.
![Share on Twitter]()
![Share on Facebook]()
