It is very important for Board members to understand how things work at the organization they oversee.  With that in mind, on June 24th and on July 2nd, members of Board visited two women’s groups and had the chance to ask questions and see the evidence of DFT’s hard work
In total, DFT has twenty functioning Integrated Women Empowerment Program (IWEP), groups, each with 15 – 25 active members. At the beginning of the program, the members were illiterate.  But after they completed their Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) classes, they are able to write and read. Following their literacy training, DFT equips the facilitators of these women’s groups with Business Skill Training (BST), which they are obliged to share further with other members of their groups.
As the Board heard and also witnessed, twelve out of DFT’s 20 women’s groups are already engaged in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) that were identified as part of their Market Assessment (March, 2011).   Two women’s groups chose Food Processing (Baletena – which the Board members saw). In addition, one women’s group is engaged on Poultry Production and nine women’s groups are running Mini-Restaurants. Board members were also able to meet the different Sector Office Heads in Addis Ababa at the Woreda 12 level. Other invited guests visited a women’s group who are engaged in the Mini-Restaurant business at Yeka Sub-City Woreda 12 “Abado Taffo” condominium site.
The visitors were satisfied with what they saw and observed, and encouraged the women’s groups to keep up their good work. The Woreda’s sector officers also encouraged the women, and they promised their support whenever they are approached for help. The feedback from the women was equally positive.  The women said that they are satisfied with the program, starting with FAL and then benefiting with training on business skills and the economic support.        

2 WGs are engaged in Food Processing (Baletena), 1 WG is engaged on Poultry Production and 9 WGs are engaged on Mini Restaurant. The Invited guests has visited 2 WGs who are engaged in Food Processing (Baletena) on June 24 and on July 2, 2011 DFT’s Board members, Woreda’s different Sector Offices heads and other invited guests has visited the WGs who are engaged on Mini Restaurant at Yeka Sub-City Woreda 12 “Abado Taffo” condominium site.

The team was satisfied on what they saw and observe. The Woreda’s sector offices are also encouraged the women and they promised they will always be there when they are in need of their office help. By this, the women are also satisfied on the program and they mentioned that they are benefited on the FAL and now they are benefiting on this business skill and the economic support.