ADEN (ILO News) - Twenty-six Yemeni trainers successfully completed a refresher Training of Trainers (TOT) in Aden and were certified on "My First Business (MFB)" - the regionally adapted version of SIYB's first two training packages, "Generate Your Business Idea (GYB)" and "Start Your Business" (SYB) - from June 14th to June 23rd, 2023. A new SIYB module, ''Improve Your Business (IYB),'' has also been introduced.

The training was conducted as part of the joint programme ''Supporting Resilient Livelihood, Food Security, and Climate Change Adaptation (ERRY III),'' which is generously co-funded by the European Union and the Swedish Government. The training aimed to build the capacity of national training services providers by equipping trainers with up-to-date knowledge and skills required for delivering the full SIYB programme package to existing and aspiring potential entrepreneurs, as well as small business owners.

''These 26 trainers are qualified and will now be able to deliver SIYB training packages to their intended beneficiaries,'' said Samih Jaber, an International SIYB Master Trainer, ''thereby promoting viable and sustainable enterprises that generate better income and create decent jobs.''

The ToT is crucial for the context of Yemen, where 74 per cent of labour force employed in the informal sector, suffering from access to public services, microfinance, and insurance services. SME employment creation is a critical element of livelihood support to an overall dwindling labour force (36 percent), with female labour force participation standing at a mere six percent. In addition, thousands of informal micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are struggling to operate – let alone create jobs.

Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) is a well-tested business management training programme which comprises a comprehensive set of training materials and tools designed to assist entrepreneurs improve and strengthen their basic management skills throughout the different stages of business development, from brainstorming a first business idea, through the formulation of business plans to growing and expanding businesses. SIYB training in Yemen, in particular, seeks to promote low-income, illiterate, and semi-literate business owners in establishing and expanding micro, small, and medium-sized businesses as a strategy for creating decent employment opportunities.

The top ten performers among/out of the 26 trainers who met the certification criteria will be nominated to attend the regional Master Training of Trainers (MTOT), which will be held in Amman, Jordan in October/November 2023.

The National Project Coordinator for ILO in Yemen, Tawfik Jaber, said that "having a sufficient number of certified master trainers will assist in the development of a pool of qualified national trainers to support enterprise creation and the institutionalization of the ILO SIYB training packages in Yemen, while also ensuring the quality and sustainability of training delivery for various target groups."