Quezon City, January 19, 2024 – In an objective to strengthen the delivery of the Vendor Business School (VBS) program, comprehensive training was conducted to address key objectives aimed at refining the facilitators’ skills and strategies. The activity was held on January 17-19, 2024 at the Business Permits and Licensing Office of the Market Development and Administration Department (MDAD). This training brought together enthusiastic facilitators from MDAD, the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office, and Food Security Task Force committed to providing an enriching VBS experience for vegetable vendors in Quezon City.
The first objective of the workshop was to ensure that participants delved deeper into the revised VBS curriculum. To reinforce their understanding, facilitators actively participated in teach-back and coaching sessions of the modules. The interactive sessions aimed to equip the facilitators with the knowledge needed to effectively communicate the content to the vendors attending the Vendor Business School. It also provided a platform for them to practice and refine their delivery techniques. The resource persons and other facilitators provided constructive feedback, fostering a learning environment that aimed to enhance each facilitator’s ability to convey the lessons effectively.
Fostering an inclusive and enriching environment through gender sensitization
Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusivity, the training also addressed the vital element of gender sensitization within the VBS program. A Gender Workshop for on-boarding session was carried out with the following aims: (1) comprehending the opportunities and challenges based on gender in vendor businesses; (2) grasping the influence of women’s roles as mothers and wives in households on their vendor business strategies and goal-setting; and (3) conducting a simulation of the on-board session through role-playing, specifically engaging in two activities that pertain to gender-related considerations.
Dr. Nozomi Kawarazuka, International Potato Center (CIP) Gender Specialist, presented the importance of looking at things with a gender lens and the importance of gender in the VBS. The onboarding session of the curriculum was also discussed in detail with the facilitators. A simulation exercise was conducted.
Looking forward
The workshop concluded with a sense of empowerment among the facilitators, armed with a deeper understanding of the revised VBS curriculum, improved teaching techniques, and a well-thought-out plan for the upcoming implementation in Quezon City.
The VBS implementation is set to take place in February 2024. This activity is a part of the training of facilitators (TOF) on VBS conducted last December 5 to 7, 2023 at VC Hotel in Quezon City.