Afghan clients to benefit from staff learning
When MEDA goes to work in developing countries, the benefits are felt not only by clients, but also by local staff. We may call it "capacity building," but Parinaz Hissami of Afghanistan knows it's more than that.
Parinaz, manager of business development for MEDA's Through the Garden Gate project, was one of only 60 Afghan women who have graduated from the 10,000 Women Business Training Program administered by the American University of Afghanistan, in partnership with the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona. The Thunderbird School is known for its innovative work in intercultural leadership.
The program is part of the larger 10,000 Women initiative sponsored by Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs Charitable Fund, which supports partnerships between business education programs in the US and Europe and business schools in emerging economies.
Parinaz attended 40 hours of in-class business training conducted in Dari. At the time of her acceptance into the program, she had just been promoted to manager, and knew that meant increased responsibilities.
"We encouraged Parinaz to accept this opportunity," said MEDA Afghanistan country manager, Catherine Sobrevega, "for herself and our project – because our women farmers can benefit from her learnings. Despite her workload, Parinaz was able to regularly attend her classes and finished the course. I was very proud when their program administrator said Parinaz was one of their best students!"
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