By Comfort Ikpi | Project Leader
GPI Calabar graduated 143 girls and young women from GPI’s weekly safe space lesson programme, the entrepreneurship skills training programme, and the media academy on August 27 2016. Out of this number, 34 girls graduated from the fish farming, shoe-making and sewing skills training.
These out-of school young girls between the ages of 15 to 25 years, began the entrepreneurship skills training in July 2015 under Batch 4. They passed through a rigorous training on the afore-mentioned skills for 6 months after which they were placed in different business organizations for 3 months internship. The fish farming training covered Stocking Fingerling; Construction and Cleaning of Fish Pond; Types of Feed; Managing a Fish Pond and Identifying Ailing Fingerlings.
On sewing some girls learned how to make different kinds of dress including gowns, jackets and skirts. Training on shoemaking covered production of pams, slippers, sandals and covered shoes. These shoes and dresses are sold to GPI staff members and members of the public to generate income for the girls and organization.
Stories of knowledge gained, skills acquired and income generated from sales of products were shared by some girls. These stories show impact of the entrepreneurship training on graduates.
Before the 6-month entrepreneurship, Peace could not make any shoe. She makes female slippers and sandals after the training and internship programme. On her earnings and plans she said “I have earned over N10,000 from sales of 12 pairs of shoe. I plan to set up a shoemaking business in future. “ Peace
“I have made more than N7,000 from sales of shoe during the entrepreneurship training which was used to support my transport cost to the centre. Before the internship I had the challenge of making covered shoes. During my internship I made 4 slippers, 4 sandals and 1 covered shoe for my boss which were sold to customers.” Stella
Caroline made more than 10 different kinds of dress for herself before starting her internship programme. She is now one of the graduates utilizing GPI’s creative commune. In appreciation she said “I thank GPI for the opportunity to learn this skill.” Caroline
Affiong could only use her hands to stitch materials before the entrepreneurship skills training. She can now sew different styles of skirt and blouse. She has made more than 25 dresses for over 9 months and earned more than N20,000. “I plan to open a shop to learn more styles and meet customer needs” she said. Affiong
Blessing has made more than 20 pairs of unisex slippers since she started acquiring the skill. She has recorded huge improvement in cutting and filing. To further improve her shoe-making skills she said “I will learn more on making covered shoes after my internship.” Blessing
Blessing A., who could not design and cut materials for shoemaking can now make male and female slippers and covered shoes. “I have made and sold more than 20 pairs of shoes earning more than N20,000. I intend to enrol for the University Matriculation Examination and buy some shoemaking tools from the proceeds” she said. Blessing A.
After 6 months training, Jennifer has made more than 20 pairs of sandals and slippers for males and females earning more than N10,000. She said “I desire to be perfect in making covered shoes. Also while planning to set up a business place, I intend to continue learning from other experts.” Jennifer
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