Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan

The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan (“The Foundation”), authorized by 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, is dedicated to promoting the Grameen Bank model worldwide. This initiative, known for aiding countless individuals in achieving entrepreneurial self-sufficiency, has taken root in Taiwan through collaborations with local social welfare organizations. This year, the Foundation partnered with the Datong Shilin Women’s Center to launch the second Grameen School program. This program offers structured courses designed to help middle-aged and senior citizens, new immigrants, and full-time housewives acquire entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy. The second Grameen School graduation ceremony was held on June 7th, featuring participant testimonials and showcasing handmade food products developed by the students.

Grameen School integrates comprehensive learning modules on "entrepreneurial skills, marketing, and financial management," ensuring participants gain a holistic understanding of the knowledge needed to succeed in business. The program invited industry experts such as Hsieh Sheng-Yu, founder of HowsFood, known for mentoring small food business; Wang Hsiang-Hsin, Executive Director of Soochow University Yunus Social Business Centre, who has extensive experience supporting small farmers in Changhua; and Sun Shao-Yang, advisor at Money Trainer Financial Study Center, who uses interactive teaching methods to guide participants through the operational strategies of micro-enterprises.

One participant, a single mother, shared her experience: "Being a single mother of three, I've been relying on running a stall to make a living. I understand the resources needed for entrepreneurship and am grateful for this opportunity to learn and collaborate on product development and online marketing with my group." Another participant, Kiki, a full-time mother, remarked: "The courses provided a much-needed break and the chance to learn various new skills."

In her address, Ms. Juno Wang, CEO of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan and Chairperson of the Taipei Grameen Credit Union, highlighted the integration of Grameen School with the Taipei Grameen Credit Union. She emphasized the importance of promoting savings and improving financial literacy through education, complemented by the support of five-person mutual aid groups to foster entrepreneurial success. Acknowledging the challenges of entrepreneurship, the program includes comprehensive advisory support to facilitate systematic learning.

Distinguished guests at the Grameen School graduation included Amy Chui, Director of the Datong Shilin Women’s Center; Ke Kai-Chung, Director of the Wenshan Women’s Center; Cheng Mei-Hua, Chairperson of the Wehub; and Lin Wan-Jung and Ho Sung-Ting, officers from the Department of Social Welfare, Taipei City Government. Looking ahead, the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan aims to forge partnerships with public sectors, community organizations, and empowerment groups to collectively support women, middle-aged individuals, and disadvantaged groups in acquiring entrepreneurial skills, achieving financial stability, and balancing their personal lives.