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  • Success Story Yeshi | Doorways

    Yeshi A Success Story from Ethiopia Yeshi, a participant from Ethiopia, started her shop for dairy products two years before the training. She sold dairy products and served her customers on the little veranda whenever they wanted to enjoy her products right away. She has 4 employees. During the training she realized that she had been very passive and reactive for the last two years. Instead of renting out the room next-door to another person, she could use the room to serve the customers who needed to squeeze on her tiny veranda so far. The training opened her eyes and she suddenly understood that she had to become active herself and change something in order to increase her business success. ​ Even before the training was completed, she started to paint the room next-door and opened a colorful restaurant. She used chairs and tables from her house and only paid for a new floor. Now her customers can enjoy her dairy products right at the shop and order breakfast and lunch as well. This change already significantly increased her income! Prior to the training, she used to get 1200 ETB rent from the tenant – now she already makes an additional profit of 100 ETB per day. This adds up to around 3000 ETB per month. The new restaurant is also a solution for the difficulties she faced at fasting days and during fasting periods when customers were not allowed to eat any dairy products. Now, she is able to prepare fasting food for these customers. ​ The training has activated her – without the training, she would not have implemented the change, Yeshi says! Additionally, the training helped her to carefully develop her plan step-by-step before putting it into practice. For the future, Yeshi plans to produce dairy products on her own since she has always been interested in agricultural activities. But more importantly, this will allow her to be independent from suppliers in her area. Although she had started this plan many months before, she had not done anything because she was afraid that she couldn’t make it. The training pushed her to pursue her plan – she already bought a piece of land and started negotiations regarding the cows. Due to the training, Yeshi says, she is not afraid any more. Success Story of Akouélé Success Story of Leila info@doorways-training.org +49 4134 9099726 Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Home Doorways About Us Our Projects Success Stories Clients and Partners Contact STEP STEP Impact STEP Projects STEP Success Stories STEP Publications PI PI Impact PI Projects PI Success Stories PI Publications Blog FAQs Support Us © 2023 Doorways gGmbH. All Rights Reserved Terms of Use Imprint +49 4134 9099726 info@doorways-training.org Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt

  • Success Story Leila | Doorways

    Leila A Success Story from Togo A fashion designer by training, Leila Salifou has been involved in the catering business for several years now. ​ An only daughter, she decided to continue her mother’s business, leading her to take over her mother’s restaurant after her training. But she felt as though something was missing, like a sauce that needs an extra pinch of salt. This was the secret she learned in the Personal Initiative training, which for her was a little like teaching a person to fish rather than giving him or her the fish. It opened her eyes and enabled her to move out of the informal sector. ​ “Before this training, I had a small restaurant. Like so many other good ladies along the side of the road, I sold foufou. But after the Personal Initiative Training, I did some further training in catering and then registered my business at the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises to obtain my official economic operator’s card. It was the training that made me see that I needed to change, to move out of the informal sector in order to develop my business. I was able to print advertising brochures, which I distributed to various businesses. Today, if people need a catering service, they contact me directly. If I had not had this training, I would have always been one of those good ladies along the side of the road. Now I’m sure that I am building a lasting business that my children and grandchildren will be able to take over when I’m no longer there,” she says. ​ Leila is now an accomplished economic operator who is asked to prepare luncheons for training seminars in ministries and other organizations in Togo. She believes that she can grow her business enough to one day cater to heads of state. To realize her dream, she is building a recreation center that will include a restaurant, bar, VIP space, banquet room and, most importantly, a cooking school to train the next generation. Her ambition is to train young women in the preparation of typical Togolese dishes and to export them around the world. She has also started a small side business that offers guided tours. Success Story of Yeshi Success Story of Habibou info@doorways-training.org +49 4134 9099726 Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Home Doorways About Us Our Projects Success Stories Clients and Partners Contact STEP STEP Impact STEP Projects STEP Success Stories STEP Publications PI PI Impact PI Projects PI Success Stories PI Publications Blog FAQs Support Us © 2023 Doorways gGmbH. All Rights Reserved Terms of Use Imprint +49 4134 9099726 info@doorways-training.org Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt

  • Project PI Malawi | Doorways

    PI Training for MSMEs MALAWI CLIENT: IBF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ​ Description of project: The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to increase access to financial services, promote entrepreneurship and capabilities of MSMEs in Malawi including addressing COVID-19 implications. The PDO should be reached through the following three project components: (1) liquidity enhancement for MSMEs (including via a line of credit (LoC), Technical Assistance (TA), and de-risking/risk capital support); (2) scaling of entrepreneurship and building firm capabilities; (3) enhancement of the enabling environment for supporting the financial inclusion and growth of entrepreneurs. STEP Training at Two Rural Universities PI Training in India

  • Project PI Training for Factory Workers | Doorways

    PI Training for Factory Workers ETHIOPIA CLIENT: THE WORLD BANK ​ Description of project: The objective of the project was to develop a new version of the Personal Initiative (PI) Training curriculum for factory workers at Bole Lemi Industrial Park in Addis Ababa and to test its effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a sample of 500 female factory workers. The newly developed curriculum had to incorporate components of the ILO's WASH@work framework. The project could not be completed. STEP Training at Two Rural Universities PI Training for Cross-Border Traders in Guinea-Bissau

  • About Us | Doorways

    About Us Read more about the minds and hearts behind Doorways and our vision, mission, and values WHAT WE BELIEVE IN Our Vision To open doors and empower individuals to actively shape their own paths. WHAT WE DO Our Mission Provide evidence-based, action-oriented training and build a network of global training partners that share and support our vision. WHO WE ARE Meet Our Team We are a team of seasoned experts, consisting of three co-founders with over 20 years of combined experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs for entrepreneurs (especially PI Training and STEP Training), with an emphasis on the Global South. Our team is culturally and linguistically diverse, with members from Brazil, Germany, and Mexico. We have diverse academic backgrounds (psychology, business & management, economics, development studies) and three of our team members have completed or are completing PhDs in entrepreneurship. To enhance our capabilities, we enlist other training experts and maintain a global network of trainers (especially, but not exclusively in Africa). With a vast experience of delivering training programs in over 10 countries worldwide, including regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Europe, we have a strong track record in project implementation. Our collaborative efforts have been supported by esteemed partners like the World Bank's Africa and South Asia Region Gender Innovation Labs, IFC, FAO, German Commission for UNESCO, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), microfinance institutes, universities, and local implementing partners. Through this broad network, we are able to draw upon diverse expertise and resources, ensuring the effective delivery of programs and fostering sustainable development. Our wealth of experience has provided us with valuable insights and strengthened our ability to deliver impactful initiatives on a global scale. FOUNDER AND CEO Jakob Weers jakob.weers@doorways-training.org FOUNDER AND CEO Carina Bohlayer carina.bohlayer@doorways-training.org FOUNDER AND CEO Benjamin Scharweit benjamin.scharweit@doorways-training.org PROJECT MANAGER Thiago Garcia ​ thiago.garcia@doorways-training.org PROJECT MANAGER Rita Diaz ​ rita.diaz@doorways-training.org WHO SUPPORTS US Scientific Advisory Board Doorways' established training programs (PI Training and STEP Training) were initiated by Prof. Dr. Michael Frese, Prof. Dr. Michael Gielnik and further developed in global projects. Both, Prof. Dr. Michael Frese and Prof. Dr. Michael Gielnik are part of our scientific advisory board. WHERE WE WORK Our Projects View All CONTACT Get in Touch Your Name Your Email Address Message I have read and agree to the terms of use . Send EVIDENCE-BASED Implement what works We use evidence to create and implement effective training programs and services. Through our actions and via our network, we help build new (scientific) evidence, which in turn improves our understanding of how to best train people. IMPACT Make a difference We embrace opportunities for creating positive and lasting impact. Our training programs and services provide participants and clients with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to take self-empowered actions that better their own (and other people’s) lives in a sustainable way. INTEGRITY Do what is right We are a non-profit company for a good reason. Acting with strong ethics is a priority and we are loyal to our principles. High professionalism and transparency are important for us in our own work and with regard to our network of global partners – we want to lead by example. RESPECT Thrive together We work together, across boundaries, and appreciate each other’s opinions and backgrounds. We approach everyone with an open mindset, value differences, and encourage others to express and involve themselves. WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR US Our Values

  • Project PI Philippines | Doorways

    PI Training Short Version and Training of Trainers PHILIPPINES CLIENT: INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT GROUP (IMG) DONOR: JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) ​ Description of project: Together with IMG Partners, we developed a contextualized and shortened version of the PI Training for the Philippines. In 2023, we conducted three Training of Trainer (ToT) workshops in Davao City in which we trained trainers to deliver this short version to small-scale entrepreneurs in politically unstable regions of Mindano. In 2024, we conducted two more Training of Trainer (ToT) workshops to further qualitfy (master) trainers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. Within the bigger project, the PI Training is an important element to provide holistic support to entrepreneurs. PI Training for Adolescent Girls and Young Women PI Training for Rural Entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu

  • Success Story Akouélé | Doorways

    Akouélé A Success Story from Togo Akouélé Ekoué Hettah, owner of a clothing boutique in Lomé, started her shop with limited business knowledge, or as she would say “blindly, by trial and error”. However, after taking the Personal Initiative Training course, she has become an accomplished entrepreneur. Having gained credibility in her business environment and vis-à-vis her customers and partners, she was able to obtain financing for her business much more easily. “When it comes to providing financing, we only think of banks and microfinance institutions, but after my training I realized that suppliers, friends, and relatives can also be sources of financing,” she said. ​ A constant pursuit of innovation is one of Akouélé’s most important attributes as it enables her “to stand out among her competitors.” Today she is adding her personal touches to wedding dresses that she has purchased from her suppliers, to attract more customers. “We need to have innovative products, creative ideas. We need to propose extra special items to appeal to our customers,” she says. ​ Akouélé has become more ambitious since her training and now has bigger dreams. Her boutique began to seem too small to her, so she moved her business to a more prestigious location on a boulevard in Totsi, a western suburb of Lomé. She has even turned her eyes to the international market, with a boutique already open in Benin and another under way in Ghana. Not only is Akouélé’s business growing, but so are her ambitions. Success Story of Habibou Success Story of Yeshi info@doorways-training.org +49 4134 9099726 Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Home Doorways About Us Our Projects Success Stories Clients and Partners Contact STEP STEP Impact STEP Projects STEP Success Stories STEP Publications PI PI Impact PI Projects PI Success Stories PI Publications Blog FAQs Support Us © 2023 Doorways gGmbH. All Rights Reserved Terms of Use Imprint +49 4134 9099726 info@doorways-training.org Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt

  • Project PI Bangladesh | Doorways

    PI Training and Effectuation Training for Rohingya Refugees BANGLADESH CLIENT: UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE DONOR: J-PAL ​ Description of project: Close to the city Cox’s Bazar more than 1 million Rohingya have found refuge, some for more than 30 years by now. In a joint pilot project with J-PAL , MIT , Y-RISE , University of Wageningen , University of Warwick , and the local implementation partner RTM , we evaluate the effectiveness of the PI Training and an Effectuation Training that was designed for this project in cooperation with Saras Sarasvathy. In order for both training programs to be carried out at Kutupalong Refugee Camp, 12 local trainers successfully completed a Train-the-Trainer workshop and will remain in direct contact with us throughout the implementation of the project. STEP Training for Young Women Trading Support and PI Training

  • Terms of Use | Doorways

    Privacy Policy ​ ​ 1. An overview of data protection ​ General The following gives a simple overview of what happens to your personal information when you visit our website. Personal information is any data with which you could be personally identified. Detailed information on the subject of data protection can be found in our privacy policy found below. ​ Data collection on our website Who is responsible for the data collection on this website? ‍The data collected on this website are processed by the website operator. The operator’s contact details can be found in the website’s required legal notice. ​ How do we collect your data? Some data are collected when you provide it to us. This could, for example, be data you enter on a contact form. Other data are collected automatically by our IT systems when you visit the website. These data are primarily technical data such as the browser and operating system you are using or when you accessed the page. These data are collected automatically as soon as you enter our website. ​ What do we use your data for? Part of the data is collected to ensure the proper functioning of the website. Other data can be used to analyze how visitors use the site. ​ What rights do you have regarding your data? You always have the right to request information about your stored data, its origin, its recipients, and the purpose of its collection at no charge. You also have the right to request that it be corrected, blocked, or deleted. You can contact us at any time using the address given in the legal notice if you have further questions about the issue of privacy and data protection. You may also, of course, file a complaint with the competent regulatory authorities. 2. General information and mandatory information ​ Data protection The operators of this website take the protection of your personal datavery seriously. We treat your personal data as confidential and in accordance with the statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy. If you use this website, various pieces of personal data will be collected. Personal information is any data with which you could be personally identified. This privacy policy explains what information we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this happens. Please note that data transmitted via the internet (e.g. via email communication) may be subject to security breaches. Complete protection of your data from third-party access is not possible. ​ Notice concerning the party responsible for this website The party responsible for processing data on this website is: ​ Doorways gGmbH Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Germany ​ Email: info@doorways-training.org ​ The responsible party is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data (names, email addresses, etc.). Revocation of your consent to the processing of your data Many data processing operations are only possible with your express consent. You may revoke your consent at any time with future effect. An informal email making this request is sufficient. The data processed before we receive your request may still be legally processed. ​ Right to file complaints with regulatory authorities ‍If there has been a breach of data protection legislation, the person affected may file a complaint with the competent regulatory authorities. The competent regulatory authority for matters related to data protection legislation is the data protection officer of the German state in which our company is headquartered. A list of data protection officers and their contact details can be found at the following link: https://www.bfdi.bund.de/DE/Infothek/Anschriften_Links/anschriften_links-node.html. ​ ‍Right to data portability You have the right to have data which we process based on your consent or in fulfillment of a contract automatically delivered to yourself or to a third party in a standard, machine-readable format. If you require the direct transfer of data to another responsible party, this will only be done to the extent technically feasible. ​ SSL or TLS encryption This site uses SSL or TLS encryption for security reasons and for the protection of the transmission of confidential content, such as the inquiries you send to us as the site operator. You can recognize an encrypted connection in your browser’s address line when it changes from „http://“ to „https://“ and the lock icon is displayed in your browser’s address bar. If SSL or TLS encryption is activated, the data you transfer to us cannot be read by third parties. ​ ‍Information, blocking, deletion As permitted by law, you have the right to be provided at any time with information free of charge about any of your personal data that is stored as well as its origin, the recipient and the purpose for which it has been processed. You also have the right to have this data corrected, blocked or deleted. You can contact us at any time using the address given in our legal notice if you have further questions on the topic of personal data. ​ Opposition to promotional emails We hereby expressly prohibit the use of contact data published in the context of website legal notice requirements with regard to sending promotional and informational materials not expressly requested. The website operator reserves the right to take specific legal action if unsolicited advertising material, such as email spam, is received. 3. Data collection on our website Cookies Some of our web pages use cookies. Cookies do not harm your computer and do not contain any viruses. Cookies help make our website more user-friendly, efficient, and secure. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer and saved by your browser. Most of the cookies we use are so-called „session cookies.“ They are automatically deleted after your visit. Other cookies remain in your device’s memory until you delete them. These cookies make it possible to recognize your browser when you next visit the site. You can configure your browser to inform you about the use of cookies so that you can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept or reject a cookie. Alternatively, your browser can be configured to automatically accept cookies under certain conditions or to always reject them, or to automatically delete cookies when closing your browser. Disabling cookies may limit the functionality of this website. Cookies which are necessary to allow electronic communications or to provide certain functions you wish to use (such as the shopping cart) are stored pursuant to Art. 6 paragraph 1, letter f of DSGVO. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the storage of cookies to ensure an optimized service provided free of technical errors. If other cookies (such as those used to analyze your surfing behavior) are also stored, they will be treated separately in this privacy policy. ​ ‍Server log files The website provider automatically collects and stores information that your browser automatically transmits to us in „server log files“. These are: Browser type and browser version, Operating system used, Referrer URL, Host name of the accessing computer, Time of the server request, IP address. These data will not be combined with data from other sources. The basis for data processing is Art. 6 (1) (f) DSGVO, which allows the processing of data to fulfill a contract or for measures preliminary to a contract. ​ Contact form Should you send us questions via the contact form, we will collect the data entered on the form, including the contact details you provide, to answer your question and any follow-up questions. We do not share this information without your permission. We will, therefore, process any data you enter onto the contact form only with your consent per Art. 6 (1)(a) DSGVO. You may revoke your consent at any time. An informal email making this request is sufficient. The data processed before we receive your request may still be legally processed. We will retain the data you provide on the contact form until you request its deletion, revoke your consent for its storage, or the purpose for its storage no longer pertains (e.g. after fulfilling your request). Any mandatory statutory provisions, especially those regarding mandatory data retention periods, remain unaffected by this provision. 4. Plugins and tools ​ YouTube Our website may use plugins from YouTube, which is operated by Google. The operator of the pages is YouTube LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. If you visit one of our pages featuring a YouTube plugin, a connection to the YouTube servers is established. Here the YouTube server is informed about which of our pages you have visited. If you’re logged in to your YouTube account, YouTube allows you to associate your browsing behavior directly with your personal profile. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account. YouTube is used to help make our website appealing. This constitutes a justified interest pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) DSGVO. Further information about handling user data, can be found in the data protection declaration of YouTube under https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy.

  • STEP Success Stories | Doorways

    STEP Success Stories Find out more about the participants of the STEP Training and the impact the program had on their businesses and lives! STEP PROJECTS Our Projects View all CONTACT Get in Touch Your Name Your Email Address Message I have read and agree to the terms of use . Send info@doorways-training.org +49 4134 9099726 Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Home Doorways About Us Our Projects Success Stories Clients and Partners Contact STEP STEP Impact STEP Projects STEP Success Stories STEP Publications PI PI Impact PI Projects PI Success Stories PI Publications Blog FAQs Support Us © 2023 Doorways gGmbH. All Rights Reserved Terms of Use Imprint +49 4134 9099726 info@doorways-training.org Wiesenweg 2 21406 Barnstedt Popcorn Parlour From friends to successful business partners Martin Developing a never-give-up-attitude Msafiri An innovative fashion business Janet A successful portfolio entrepreneur Dennis Ngeno The importance of risk evaluation ​ YANA Trekkers Establishing trust is key Pascal Filling a market gap

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