November 2011 Trip Update 4

The second day of training was very interactive and exciting. Our Students again started the day by singing to us – three beautiful harmonies that moved us to a wonderful start to the day. Dave and Tim taught selling skills, Robert taught innovation and facilitated a workshop where participants developed their own innovative business ideas. Bill taught decision making and Warner provided a follow-up session on financial management focusing on cash flow statements and operating a spreadsheet. And special thanks to Bren Wilson for capturing the entire trip on video and camera. After the financial training, everyone broke up into small groups to work on spreadsheets with individual Work for Life leaders to gain a better understanding of how to build a sound financial forecast. At the end of the day, the tables were turned on the Work for Life team. The training participants (all former members of the African Children’s Choir—in other words…great singers) gave the Work for Life team a huge gift…the gift of song. The Work for Life team was blown away by individual performances by Scovia, Esther and finally a group ~10 of the Ugandan singers known as “One Voice”. Robert and Bill received the most special gift of all – their Ugandan names (only given to those who have come back at least twice). Bill’s name is Mwesigwa which means Trustworthy. Robert’s name is Kitibwa which means Glory to God. Then – to try to have fun with us - we “Muzungus” (white men) were taught to dance a traditional Ugandan Dance that was captured on video. There was awkward butt shaking by the Muzungus and a lot of laughter from the students/locals. After the grand finale, the Work for Life team spent the evening debriefing on the day and preparing for the next 2 days of mentoring sessions with entrepreneurs that have received training and funding on past Work for Life trips.