The Good Market, Colombo
Dr Amanda Kiessel, Board Member of The Good Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka said:
“The Good Market is a Sri Lankan social enterprise that promotes products and services that are ‘good for the planet, good for the country, and good for you’.
We were very fortunate to have Ian Ferguson and Rosie Leyden work with us as volunteers in November and December 2014. Over the past 12 years, I have been involved in many volunteer placements in Sri Lanka, and this was by far the most productive and beneficial volunteer visit that I have ever seen.
Ian and Rosie are professional and experienced. When they first arrived, they met with the team to develop a realistic work plan for their stay, based on the urgent needs of the organization and their own skills and interests. Within one month, they managed to interview more than 80 Good Market approved vendors. They assessed vendor training needs, assisted with promotional materials, provided business development advice, and created profiles of each vendor for the Good Market website.
They went above and beyond the planned scope of work. In addition to meeting the vendors, Rosie and Ian provided recommendations on Good Market brand development, assisted with ‘zero waste’ planning, conducted a customer survey at the weekly Good Market events, analyzed the results, and provided recommendations for future development. The informal business coaching that Ian and Rosie did with the Good Market team contributed to the development of a new strategic plan based on core organizational strengths.”
Although Ian and Rosie didn’t have previous work experience in the Sri Lankan context, they are culturally sensitive, seasoned travelers. During their stay, they met with Sri Lankans of all different ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds. Their warm personalities and quick sense of humor enabled them to quickly build rapport with all types of Good Market stakeholders.
Ian and Rosie made an enormous contribution, and we are very grateful for their support. The Good Market team wishes them all the best and hopes they include Sri Lanka in future travel plans.”