In a significant milestone for business education in Gunjur, BE REEL has on Saturday, 1st February 2025 successfully completed Workshop Ten and graduated Cohorts 2, 3, and 4 of the Julaya Silo programme. This marked a moment of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to empowering entrepreneurs particularly women and those with limited formal education.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Nicola Swan and Senior Professor Dr. Trevor Long, BE REEL is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing high-quality business training to communities in Gunjur and beyond. With their three decades of experience in education and business consulting, the founders have transformed the lives of over 300 young entrepreneurs through specialised training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
BE REEL’s success is driven by its commitment to inclusivity and adaptability. The recent graduation of 39 new participants, 17 from the regular business training and 22 local women from the newly introduced programme for those with limited formal education reflects the organisation's expanding reach.
To ensure accessibility, BE REEL now offers two entry pathways:
1. Regular Business Training: Designed for those with formal education.
2. Julaya Silo: Tailored for individuals with limited formal education and no English proficiency.
By removing barriers to education, BE REEL ensures that tribe, religion, gender, or literacy level do not limit anyone’s ability to gain business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Beyond training, BE REEL closely monitors the impact of its programs, measuring financial growth, improved savings habits, and increased confidence among participants. The results are clear: many graduates are now successfully applying core business principles, leading to better financial stability for themselves and their families.
Key post-training initiatives, including networking events, mentorship, and ongoing support visits, have further helped participants refine their business ideas and strategies. The plan-do-review method has empowered many to adapt to market demands, increase earnings, and sustain their businesses in a rapidly evolving economic environment.
As part of its mission to provide high-quality business education in Gunjur and by extension Gambia. BE REEL actively engages in research, stakeholder feedback, and content refinement to ensure its training remains relevant and impactful. The organisation understands that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for poverty reduction, employment creation, and economic stability.
By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and collaboration, BE REEL is not just training entrepreneurs, it is building a sustainable future for those who benefited from these training opportunities.
With ten successful workshops completed, BE REEL is now poised for further expansion. “The focus remains on improving programme quality, increasing accessibility, and strengthening post-training support. The introduction of Julaya Silo represents just the beginning of a broader vision to reach more aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their educational background.” - Buba K. Touray, Programme Director.
As BE REEL continues to empower individuals, unlock potential, and transform lives, its impact on Gunjur and surroundings business landscape remains undeniable. Through education, mentorship, and community-driven support, the organisation is paving the way for a new generation of entrepreneurs, particularly women.
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