On September 12th , 2024, the Gampaha District Secretariat Office hosted a pivotal Training of Trainers (TOT) session, organized by DigiGo.lk. This event brought together 30 trainers eager to master digital skills, with the goal of empowering micro and small entrepreneurs in their communities. Spearheaded by Nelumnika Jayawardana, under the expert guidance of Ashoka Waniganeththi, Assistant Director of the Small Enterprise Development Division, the workshop was a dynamic blend of hands-on learning and real-world applications.
Key industry representatives, including those from Sampath IT, PickMe, and LOLC (iPay), attended in person, while Shoop Book made its mark with a promotional video. The highlight of the day was a session The practical program presented by Mr. Akila Peiris and Sampath Rajarathna from LKDR, who introduced crucial lessons on digital safety and Informed about the Hithawathi program
Core Insights and Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs: Participants explored how essential tools like email addresses and websites are for seamless business communication and operational success.
- Email Creation and Management: Trainers learned the art of setting up email accounts on smartphones, safeguarding them with strong passwords, and enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra security.
- Using Language Translators: The session introduced the usage of text and voice inputs for translations, selecting languages, and even live camera-based translation.
- Social Media for Business Growth: Participants were walked through creating and managing business pages using Meta Business Suite, and the effective use of social media ads to enhance visibility.
- WhatsApp Business: From account setup to using tools like quick replies, labels, and status updates, the group learned how to turn WhatsApp into a powerful business tool.
- QR Code and Canva Design: New skills like QR code scanning and designing logos, posters, and business cards using Canva were a first for many attendees.
Highlights of the Day:
The workshop saw active participation from all 30 trainers, many of whom were engaging with advanced digital tools like Canva and QR code scanners for the first time. Sampath Rajarathna’s session on digital safety and the Hithawathi program left a strong impression, emphasizing the need for secure digital practices in modern business.
Attendees praised the workshop’s hands-on approach, which made learning practical and immediately applicable to their future training sessions. The interaction with Digigo Partners provided valuable real-world examples, making the learning experience even more impactful.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations and Feedback
While the workshop provided a solid foundation, participants recommended diving deeper into advanced topics like digital marketing, e-commerce, and data analytics in future sessions. There was also a call for follow-up workshops to continue refining trainers’ skills and fostering a collaborative network of trainers.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the session concluded on a high note, with participants energized and eager to apply what they learned. The blend of interactive learning and real-world examples made the day a success, laying the groundwork for future growth and empowerment in the entrepreneurial community.
