May 26th marked the closure of the third phase of the Aprann project—an initiative that continues to create opportunities and transform lives in the region of Bel Ombre.
Established by ER Group, with the active support of ER Hospitality and Heritage Villas Valriche, the Aprann Project empowers individuals in vulnerable situations to achieve greater independence through employment or entrepreneurship.
During this third phase, 21 women benefited from a 15-week training and capacity-building programme. They participated in various workshops covering, in particular, personal development, CV writing, job interview preparation, employment law, as well as other essential skills to facilitate their integration into the workforce.
Beyond gaining new knowledge and skills, the Aprann project has enabled these women to build their self-confidence and look ahead to a future filled with possibilities.
The results demonstrate the project's tangible impact: 5 participants have joined the teams at Heritage Resorts, while others have chosen the path of entrepreneurship by launching their own businesses. This success perfectly reflects the programme's purpose – to create lasting opportunities and empower each woman to shape her own future.
More Than a Training Programme: A Human Adventure
For Elvita Cassagne, employed at Heritage Villas Valriche, Aprann was much more than just a training programme. Invited to join the initiative by Corinne Stoutenbeek, our Chief Sustainability Officer, she saw an opportunity to contribute to the development of her village while bringing her entrepreneurial project to life. Her ambition was to launch a small laundry business — a project that has now become a reality and continues to evolve.
While the programme provided her with the necessary tools and knowledge she needed to develop her business, Aprann enabled her to forge valuable friendships with the other participants. These connections have endured well beyond the training: Elvita says that they catch up at least once a week, support one another and enjoy meaningful moments together.
Proud of how far she has come through Aprann, Elvita looks back on the experience with great appreciation, as it marked a turning point in her journey. If a new phase of the programme were to be launched, she would wholeheartedly encourage other women to embark on this journey.
Training, Sharing, Supporting
The success of Aprann also lies on the commitment of many employees who have chosen to share their expertise and skills with the participants. Among them is Amit, Human Resources Manager at Heritage Resorts, who has actively contributed to several workshops throughout the programme.
Convinced that companies have a responsibility not only towards their employees and customers, but also towards the communities they are part of, Amit shared his expertise on key topics such as employment law, CV writing, and interview preparation.
What stood out most for Amit was seeing the participants gain a better understanding of key topics and grow in confidence. By adopting a simple and accessible approach, he was able to share practical knowledge that made a meaningful difference and was appreciated by the participants.
For Amit, Aprann represents a valuable opportunity to share his knowledge and make a tangible contribution to the community. “What I enjoy most is sharing my knowledge with others. I feel fulfilled when I can help people grow and progress,” he shares.
Building on this enriching experience, Amit would not hesitate to get involved again in future editions of the programme. As he likes to point out, we can always count on his support when it comes to initiatives that create a positive and lasting impact.
The future is taking shape
During the closing ceremony, Corinne Stoutenbeek shared this inspiring quote from Dr James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey:
“If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.”
A quote that deeply reflects the mission of Aprann. When a woman is given the tools to thrive and achieve greater independence, the positive impact extends far beyond her own journey — reaching her family, her community, and future generations.
Although this third phase has come to an end, the story of Aprann continues to unfold through the journeys, ambitions, and achievements of these women.
This is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter.
FAQs
What is the Aprann project?
Aprann is an employability programme led by ER Foundation, aimed at extending its impact within local communities and creating new opportunities for individuals in the region.
What does the training programme involve?
The Aprann programme is built around three key pillars: capacity building, skills development and entrepreneurship, as well as professional integration through practical workplace experiences.
How does ER Hospitality contribute to the Aprann project?
ER Hospitality actively contributes to the Aprann project through the involvement of its employees, who lead training workshops. By sharing their expertise in job readiness, personal development, and workplace skills, they support participants on their journey towards greater professional independence.
