Training of Trainers (TOT) on the CEFE Approach

The course allow the participants i.e. trainers to understand and implement a unique approach found by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) to be effective in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of potential and existing entrepreneurs in over 75 countries around the world. The approach is known as the Competency Based Economies through the Formation of Entrepreneurs (CEFE).

CEFE uses experiential learning techniques to train individuals on skills needed to run a business successfully. It is a fun way of adult learning that increases the retention rate and is, therefore, more effective.

The CEFE approach of training entrepreneurs has some unique features and is based on the following concepts (CEFE training ladder):

• If entrepreneurs want to succeed, they should be aware of their personal qualities, competencies and their surrounding environment in order to develop appropriate strategies before embarking on any entrepreneurial activity ( Module 1: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Competencies)
  
  
• Entrepreneurs based on their competencies have to identify, select their own projects which they are convinced to be feasible and can be carried by themselves (Module 2: Matching of Person with project)
  
  
• In order to succeed in any business, entrepreneurs have to make a study on their own, test their ideas, judge the viability of their projects and prepare a business plan based on their own circumstances, decisions and findings (Module 3: Business Planning)
  
  
• If entrepreneurs are competent and confident enough to implement their projects and if their projects seem viable, they should be supported by finance and other types of assistance (Module 4: Presentation of Business Plans to Bankers/Experts)

The CEFE is anchored on methodologies that require participants to play an active role in simulated business games and structured learning experiences. There is a minimum of lectures and a maximum of experiential learning exercises, hence transforming the training room into a microcosm of the real business world. The methodology enables the participants to discover for themselves the learning points of entrepreneurial values, the search/selection of indigenous business ideas, and internalize their application into their own environment.

The first two weeks of the TOT will consist of activities designed to enable participants to experience what entrepreneurs go through in a CEFE course specifically:

• Understand the course design and structures of CEFE Entrepreneurship course i.e. New Business Creation course
• Assess their entrepreneurial competencies by role playing as entrepreneurs
• Employ brainstorming as a methodology in business idea generation
• Screen business ideas and select the most potentially viable business project using a micro screening and SWOT analysis
• Formulate a business plan on the selected business project

The last two weeks will give inputs on the CEFE methodology to enable participants to:

• Acquire training inputs and competencies to conduct Entrepreneurship courses (i.e New Business Creation course)