Train 150 Youths in Vocational Skills in Nigeria

Unemployment and underemployment are major challenges facing the youth in Nigeria. This project, "Train 150 Youths in Vocational Skills in Nigeria," aims to equip young individuals in Nigeria with the necessary skills and training to become self-reliant and employable in their respective communities. Through partnerships with organizations such as the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU), we are working towards bridging the skills gap and empowering youth to secure better livelihoods.

Partnership with the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU)

We are thrilled to announce our ongoing partnership with the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU), which has proven to be a valuable component of the "Train 150 Youths in Vocational Skills" initiative. This partnership is focused on providing our target group with access to professional certificate programs that integrate advanced vocational skills, leadership training, and entrepreneurial development.

As part of this collaboration, the youth enrolled in the program have the opportunity to benefit from the prestigious EBU Certificate Impact Program Courses, which are tailored to meet the current demands of the job market. The courses offered by EBU are designed to complement vocational skills training, empowering participants to apply modern management, entrepreneurial, and leadership techniques to their respective fields.

EBU Certificate Courses Enrolled in the Program:

SML101 Social Media Literacy Seminar – Equipping youth with the skills to leverage social media for business, communication, and personal development.

CP100 Business Management (with AI Integration) – Providing foundational knowledge in business management and AI integration.

CP202A Entrepreneurship and Communication – Offering training in effective communication for entrepreneurs, enhancing both personal and professional growth.

CP/BBA103 Economics and Global Business Environment – A deep dive into the economic principles and the dynamics of the global market.

CP109 Women and Leadership – Empowering female youth with leadership skills, aimed at increasing female representation in leadership roles.

CP/MSF201 Financial Markets and Evaluation – Providing an understanding of the financial markets, enabling youth to make informed financial decisions.

CP/MBA303 Innovation Management and Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs – Teaching creative problem-solving and innovation strategies for youth-led ventures.

The total number of youth enrolled in these programs is 40, out of the 150 target. These youth have access to these high-quality educational resources, and the total investment made for these 40 students stands at €35 per student for the application/commitment fee, with the organization covering the costs for the students' course fees and associated logistics.

Current Progress and Initiatives

1. Vocational Skills Training
In addition to the EBU partnership, we continue to provide in-person vocational skills training in various fields, including:

Computer Literacy

Agriculture (with a focus on sustainable farming practices)

Craftsmanship and Artisan Skills

Catering and Hospitality Management

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

These training programs are held at local centers, including our subsidiaries such as Sam Cedar International School (Learning Oasis®) and SOHF Global Harmony School (Learning Oasis®), where youth gain hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced professionals.

2. Youth Empowerment and Job Placement
After completing their training, youth are linked with various opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and employment within local industries. We are working to establish partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and governmental agencies to ensure that the youth who graduate from the program have access to sustainable employment opportunities.

3. Workshops and Mentoring
To complement the technical and vocational training, we provide ongoing workshops on topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal development. These workshops are designed to help youth develop a well-rounded set of skills, making them adaptable and resilient in their career journeys.

4. Community Engagement
We have engaged with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of vocational skills and the potential for youth empowerment in transforming local economies. By involving community leaders and stakeholders, we are creating a network of support to ensure the success of the youth and encourage more young people to pursue vocational training.

Challenges and Opportunities

While we have made significant strides in implementing the program, we continue to face challenges such as:

Limited Funding: Additional resources are needed to expand the program and reach the full target of 150 youth.

Access to Technology: Many of the youth do not have adequate access to digital tools and the internet, which limits their ability to fully participate in the online aspects of the EBU program.

Infrastructure and Equipment: To further enhance the quality of training, we need additional tools, materials, and equipment to meet the growing demand for vocational training.

Despite these challenges, the future prospects of the project are promising. By securing more funding and increasing partnerships with local industries, we aim to scale the program and provide 150 youth with skills that will help them thrive in Nigeria’s evolving economy.

Financial Overview

Currently, the funding required for this project is focused on covering the following:

Tuition fees for vocational training courses

Scholarships for youth to participate in the EBU certificate program

Training materials and equipment

Logistics and transport for outreach and training sessions

We are actively seeking funding opportunities, partnerships, and support from local and international organizations to ensure the continued success and expansion of the program.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The “Train 150 Youths in Vocational Skills in Nigeria” initiative continues to make a tangible impact in the lives of young Nigerians, equipping them with skills that will help them create a brighter future. Through our partnership with the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU) and our hands-on vocational training, we are empowering youth to break the cycle of poverty and build a more resilient workforce.

Next steps will include:

Increasing the number of enrolled students through additional outreach and funding.

Expanding course offerings to include more sectors, ensuring that youth are prepared for a diverse range of career paths.

Strengthening job placement networks to help graduates transition into sustainable employment.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our partners, donors, and supporters for helping make this initiative a reality. Together, we can empower Nigeria’s youth and create lasting change in their lives.

Best regards,
Sam Onyemaechi Humanitarian Foundation