We’re tickled when partners come to us with applications and adaptations of the Barefoot MBA. This time, our newest partner is the Anudip Foundation, an NGO that provides livelihood opportunities for marginalized rural communities in India. Jessica, an American India Foundation Clinton Fellow, is using the Barefoot MBA for a micro-entrepreneurship development program. She wrote:

I adapted Barefoot’s material on personal budgeting and spending and added it to our Basic Course. We teach a module on the Basics of Business and go through very high-level topics such as what is a bank account, why is saving important, what is a personal identification card and how do you write a check. We also have an Entrepreneurship Development Program, in which we give workshops to Anudip’s aspiring micro-entrepreneurs covering topics such as what services are needed in your area, budgeting, marketing, attracting customers, etc. We adapted your material on cost-benefit and savings and included two of the activities from the India – rural material.

Jessica shared the energy and excitement generated in a recent workshop in a remote, rural community on the banks of the Sundarbans, three hours from Calcutta, illustrating the importance of skills building and in micro-entrepreneurship as a viable livelihood.

We’re heartened that our work is making a difference and look forward to working with Jessica and Anudip.