A CHESHIRE entrepreneur travelled to Uganda to provide business start-up training to some of the poorest communities in the country.  

Jerry Marshall, from Weaverham, visited the eastern Teso District, one of Uganda's most troubled regions, which has suffered decades of attacks by cattle raiders, terrorist organisations and hostile government forces.

Initiatives now being explored by his students include a fish farming franchise, a clothing manufacture project, and an ‘Africa experience’ cultural tourism initiative.

Jerry is a founder director of Transformational Enterprise Network (TEN), a community of Christian business people committed to developing enterprise as a long-term solution to poverty.

Northwich Guardian: Business students receive their certificates (Transformational Enterprise Network)Business students receive their certificates (Transformational Enterprise Network) (Image: Transformational Enterprise Network)

Jerry said: “There were barefoot children, mothers catching small catfish from a swamp, water being carried in jerrycans from the borehole.

“I was in a village where £1 per day is a good wage, if you are lucky enough to have a job.

“Yet here was a humbling generosity. On the homestead where I stayed, a street kid from Kampala and several other needy people were being cared for.

“Memorable experiences include trainees singing gospel songs at every break; travelling on a ‘boda boda’ – a motorbike -  after dark with two heavy suitcases and a driver able to hold my backpack, answer his phone and avoid the potholes; and introducing marshmallow roasting over the campfire, causing much excitement and laughter.”

The business course is currently being adapted to allow Jerry’s hosts, Transformational Advocacy Network Uganda (TANU), to deliver the programme in future.

TANU founder, Joel Odongo, has already seen an increase in student applications for next year, which will help the centre to become viable. 

Joel said: “Jerry’s visit has been a blessing, has caused change, and brought new hope. Everyone is so delighted and encouraged.”

Jerry is also working with the Ugandan government to encourage cultural tourism in the region, which is home to the famous 5000-year-old Nyero rock paintings.

You can learn more about the work of the Transformational Enterprise Network on their website.