Entrepreneurship Skills Training for Young Women

As part of activities to round up the 7th batch of GPI entrepreneurial training, trainees who took part in the farm farming component were equipped with the market opportunities in the fish processing sector of the economy and they were encouraged to harness the skills acquired from the training as means of getting themselves self-employed so as to become economically independent. The unit employed the services of a Fish Market Development Consultant, in the Niger Delta region of the country to take trainees through the process of processing fish for different consumption purposes different from the conventional way of processing fish.

Fifty-eight (58) trainees were taken through the procedures and were able to come up with products such as: fish pizzas, Fish soya, fish shawarma and fish gala etc. All these are consumables that are currently trendy in the fish sector.

Participants demonstrated high sense of commitment as most of them were able to carry out the procedures independently.

• Fish_processing_pix.docx (DOCX)

Serah U. is a beneficiary of the fashion and designing entrepreneurial skills who heard about the program from a friend and developed interest. Upon commencement of the program she discovered her passion and love for sewing which made her put in so much time and efforts in learning. She stays up at night to put into practice what she learns in class and her performance endear the trainers to her as well as other beneficiaries. "When I started, I knew I could start making money while I was learning since I am a university graduate with no job. I devoted lots of time, had so many sleepless nights because I knew it was going to be worthwhile. Today, I do not regret all the sacrifices. I never knew it was possible to become a better fashion designer in six months but the measures put by the organization and the enthusiasm and dedication of the trainers made it possible. I am forever grateful". Sarah' remake during the presentation of award to her as the best graduating fashion and designing student. Serah encouraged girls still in the program to develop passion in what they are doing and turn every challenges to opportunities as challenges often times as distractions. Serah is currently earning a living from the skill she required from the organization and has made a pledge to train other girls who may not be opportune to be part of the program. She however stated that set-up tools poses as a major challenge to her and she will appeal to the organization and donors to support girls like her with set-up grants.