Developing entrepreneurship through the library

Khalil Miya is a 21-year-old from Pokhariya, Parsa. He failed his 12th-grade exams, had no means of income and was aimless. Without academic qualification, know-how and required capital, entrepreneurship was not something he could consider.

Pokhariya CLRC was established with support from ROTA. The community library and resource center also initiated programs such as youth empowerment and livelihood training. Khalil found out through his friends about small business development training for the youth being organized. He participated in the 6-day training in September 2016 which offered him business management skills like accounts management, business plan development, market analysis, etc. With knowledge and confidence, he was able to convince his family to apply for a loan to start a clothing store. He set up a clothing store at Pokhariya with a bank loan of NRs. 200,000 ($2000). The training turned out to be fruitful and his business set off. He was able to repay the loan within a year. He applied for another loan of NRs. 400,000 ($4000) for business expansion. His store has a growing customer base and currently generates a monthly net profit of NRs. 25000 to 30000 ($250-300).

Khalil acknowledges that he knew nothing about business until he took the training. He adds, "I’m very grateful to the library as it helped to develop myself as a successful entrepreneur.” Khalil is a model of how with the right skill set and knowledge, the youth can create opportunities for themselves within their community, without having to migrate to offer their labor at very low remuneration.