In a significant move to deepen its community engagement and impact, The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) recently organized its first-ever “Community Conclave” in Pfutsero Town. The event, held on August 24, 2024, brought together community leaders and tEA beneficiaries from 27 villages in Phek district. Over 300 participants attended the conclave, marking a strong start for tEA’s community outreach efforts.
The program was chaired by Cukhoyi Chiero, Zonal Head of East Zone at tEA, who highlighted the organization’s decades-long commitment to change across the North East Region. He emphasized that this conclave provided a fitting environment for the community to share experiences, build social capital, express gratitude, and leave with a sense of direction.
Rev. Vepocu Epao blessed the program with a heartfelt prayer before speakers took to the mic. Zacusa Medeo, a progressive farmer; Neitshoteu L. Mero, an FWWB Trainee; Ngonyi Krocha, an entrepreneur; and Nutsulu Thuluo, a street vendor shared their unique experiences working with tEA. Each speaker underscored how tEA’s support had enabled them to scale behavior change, acquire professional skillsets, and sustain their businesses.
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The attendees were also treated to a special folk ballad by Vehusulu Rose & Hushezulu Khamo inspired from Chakhesang lore. Additionally, zero-interest loans were disbursed to 11 women beneficiaries from Pfutsero as financial support to upscale their businesses.
Neichute Doulo, CEO of The Entrepreneurs Associates, delivered the keynote address. He recounted 24 years of tEA’s work at the grassroots level and its many achievements. Doulo encouraged the community to envision planting 1 crore (10 million) fruit trees in Phek District by 2040—a goal that aligns with tEA’s Trees for Wealth (TfW) Movement aiming to plant 3 billion trees by 2050.
The technical and interactive session was moderated by Kuzote Kepfoh, Branch Lead of Phek Branch. Tongtimenla highlighted the importance of climate awareness among rural communities while Arishinaro Longkumer emphasized adopting climate-smart agriculture practices like Conservation Agriculture to mitigate soil erosion and enhance crop productivity. Amba stressed on sustainable practices to protect forests and reduce carbon footprints.
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A vote of thanks was given by Lhishezu Lohe before concluding with a focused group discussion facilitated by Nosavinu Ltu and Suiyidaule. The dialogue centered on farming practices and observable effects of climate change in agricultural setbacks.
The Entrepreneurs Associates is passionately working to promote entrepreneurship and develop sustainable livelihoods in Nagaland and other North Eastern States. With over 18,000 First Generation Entrepreneurs, 30,000 Farmers, 10,000 Women Street Vendors, and 1,500 SHGs supported across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya—tEA aims to impact more entrepreneurs by 2025.
