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Peter and Leonora - Standing on their own |
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Monday, 03 October 2011 00:00 |
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Business is booming in the city where Peter and Leonora are based, with plenty of orders keeping the staff busy and encouraging all. A recent visit by Paul and Ruth from New Zealand was also a blessing as they came alongside the staff in a variety of functions. Paul trained a young man in bookkeeping and Ruth helped with production, hospitality, visiting and nursing. Their visit, as well as the presence of other volunteers from the United States have encouraged and supported the work going on.
One of the goals of the businesses here has always been to empower and enable the local people to become leaders in their own communities. To this end, in July it was decided that Shelano, operating in the south of the city, would come under the leadership of the local staff. These highly gifted artisans will take over the running of the business, but face numerous challenges. It takes years of mentoring to guide these workers into the business role, and while the strength of their culture is relationships, a significant part of the manufacturing and production process is urgency and meeting deadlines. It will be a test of the staff's newfound freedom and purpose as they forge ahead with the business.
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