AN EARLY STRUGGLE
Rudy Defoe is a 30-year-old man who was raised in a single parent home in the village of Loubiere, Dominica. Although he had an interest for Technical Engineering, he did not obtain a college degree as his mother did not have the funds to send him to further his studies. Therefore, Rudy began working as soon as he completed high school and he started his own business at the age of 16.
When Rudy was asked why he decided to become self-employed, he had this to say, “I started my business in May 2018 after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island and led to limited employment opportunities on the island at the time. Also, I didn’t want to go ahead working long hours for little money. I always thought of being self-reliant because I was always scared for my job security, meaning that if I worked for a company and it closes, I am out of work. So, I wanted to be my own boss”.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN
Rudy’s business operations. Photo Credits: Rudy Defoe
Rudy learned about the SkYE supported entrepreneurial training at Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) through an advert via their Facebook page. He immediately contacted their office to obtain all the requirements for him to commence the programme as he wanted to be part of that learning experience. He successfully completed his course and was the top of the group.
The training has been of great benefit to the young entrepreneur and has equipped him with improved behaviours and skills. Rudy said, “I acquired better marketing, management, and leadership skills from the programme. I also learnt how to manage finances and keep proper records. It also taught me as an entrepreneur to be more of a people’s person and how to adapt with the changes in society. It has made me more of a mature individual. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from customers and other individuals. Since the programme I feel more comfortable presenting myself as a professional”.
SHINING FUTURE
Rudy has eagerly incorporated his new skills into his business, ‘Liberty Car Care’ where he provides services such as car washing, tinting, vinyl wrapping, number plates and decals, engine washing and steaming (sofa, rugs, carpets, mattresses) among other things.
Improved marketing tools used by Rudy
He was awarded with a small grant from the Prime Minister which he wisely invested and purchased equipment for his business. He continuously looks for opportunities to learn and develop and he also willing shares his knowledge to assist upcoming entrepreneurs.
Rudy sang high praises to DYBT and SkYE for the training opportunity and would certainly recommend it to other young people. He said, “It has benefitted me a lot, especially in the marketing area; this brought a lot of new customers, it brought exposure to my business. It would benefit young persons by allowing them to have a better idea of the business field and becoming an entrepreneur. This is a program that allows individuals to become more self-motivated and work harder towards their goal”.
FACTS
Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) is a four-year, UKaid funded programme to provide certified skills training for 6,000 disadvantaged young people, including those challenged by disability, in four Eastern Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Programme will develop a more productive and inclusive workforce in sectors with good economic growth potential.
SkYE is supporting national training authorities and training providers to make systemic improvements to the development, delivery and quality assurance of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) in the four focus islands through targeted capacity building.
