Friends of Batahola
The Friends of Batahola (FOB) support, sustain and promote the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte (CCBN), the mission of which is to develop art, cultural and educational opportunities for the most vulnerable in the Batahola Norte neighborhood of Managua, Nicaragua.
Dave Stickel
P&G Alumni Grant Champion
Dave Stickel
33 years with P&G in Engineering and PSO around the world
Dave is co-vice president of the FOB. Beginning in January, 2024, he will serve as co-president for the next two years.
He writes in his recommendation letter: “Friends of Batahola supports the CCBN and its mission – to develop this community of very vulnerable people. I wanted to be part of that. The program, ‘I Learn and Undertake: Creative Women Implementing Economic Initiatives,’ is an exciting next step for the CCBN. The proposed series of entrepreneurial training and business skills development will prepare the students to go beyond just getting a good job. Now they will be business owners. Not only will they be able to support their families, but now they will be creating jobs for others. It is an exciting program and I have every confidence in the ability of the CCBN staff to make it a reality.”
The target population for FOB’s project proposal is young and adult women experiencing poverty and unemployment or underemployment. The women will have an income of less than $150 USD per month and be housewives and breadwinners of large families. The project will prioritize women survivors of gender-based violence or those that have attended psychological counseling at CCBN. The project’s objective is to meet the need for sustainable and stable incomes for women and their families. The target group of 25 will receive the training, formation, advice, and mentoring they need such that, with a small investment of materials, they will be able to take the leap of starting their own businesses. Scope includes entrepreneurial training, personal development training, experience sharing among fellow entrepreneurs and an ‘Entrepreneurship Fair’ in which the participants will be able to promote their businesses. Ultimately, in out years, the businesses will grow and provide additional employment that is so desperately needed by so many in the Batahola neighborhood and surrounding communities.
The $23,000 PGAF award will impact as many as 125 family/community members via the creation of 22 new businesses. Fund will be used to support operating, participant recruitment, entrepreneurial training, goal-setting workshops, site visits and Entrepreneurship Fair costs.
Ana’s journey into entrepreneurship began on July 26, 2021, a day that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Despite the challenges she faces as a mother and caregiver, Ana’s determination knows no bounds. From the early hours of the morning, she juggles household chores, caring for her children, and preparing for her business—a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a better future for her family.
As Ana reflects on her journey, she speaks of the profound impact of entrepreneurship on her life. “Being your own boss and having your money in your hands, you feel more empowered,” she says, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte.