Improving Adolescent Girls Access to SRHR

As part of activities to help young girls overcome sexual exploitation and violence, Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) in 2011 commenced the provision of entrepreneurial skills for girls between the ages of 15 – 25. The organization had 2(two) skills they started with (Fashion designing and Shoe manufacturing). For the past four (4) years, GPI has expanded its scope to include fish farming skills. The aim of the project is to provide out of school girls with opportunity on skills to attain economic empowerment hence reduce sexual exploitation and build their interest in male-dominated skills as well as make good use of their leisure time. It is also expected that the out of school girls will complete the training with best opportunity for success, information on gender/leadership, life management skills, sexual and reproductive issues as well as entrepreneurial business skills.

The girls participate in both theory and practical sessions of the training. The unit also organized interactive forum between GPI and parents/ guardians of trainees to give trainee’s parents a better understanding of the project as well as solicit for their support, encouragement, moral assistance for trainee’s full participation throughout the training duration as well as share their observations so far.

In line with the expectations and commitment stated during entry interview/ sessions, the unit has held training session on financial management and marketing strategy on sexuality education, marketing strategies/ branding of business with the trainees. This was to equip trainees with skills on managing their funds and develop marketing strategies for their products and also help them be economically independent.

Outcome of the interactive meeting with parents of trainees/ some voices captured during the meeting:

Miss Linda appreciated GPI according to her “I was afraid the first time my sister started because I taught money was involved but was surprised when she told me it was free of charge”. She thanked the management of GPI because her sister has been making many things ranging from bags, shoes, hats and people are already patronizing her

A male parent thanked GPI for the skills acquisition initiative. He said “I was surprised one day when my daughter  returned with the cap she had produce as a gift for him”.

A woman said “my daughter is now a happy girl since she joined the GPI skills training, before she was always sad but since she joined GPI she is now happy and busy with sewing materials”.

Mr. K said he is happy because his sister now makes beautiful hats “I am her marketer, I have helped her to sale so many of her product”.

Output:

The resource persons have trained girls on accessories for different outfits and this has enabled trainees to make items listed below:

SEWING UNIT:

Purses, Travelling bags, Gowns, Blouses, Shirt jackets, Skirts, Hair packs

SHOES MAKING:

Beaded clutched purses, Beaded caps, Beaded waist coat and Beaded shoes

At the end of the training, beneficiaries girls are sent and placed on internship for a duration of three months (3) in business premises of same skills, this was to enable them strengthen their acquired skills as well as learn marketing skills and customer public relation that will help them in future as entrepreneurs.

Some Voices captured from trainees who have completed the training

Elizabeth

“I have made cover shoes, beaded shoes, pams for men/women which I sold. I have been able to generate more than ten thousand naira (10,000). I used the money to procure some tools and materials. I have been able to train a girl who taught me wire-works in exchange”.

Nsikan

“I have made cover shoes, pams, sandals for males and females as well as bags. I have generated much money from the skills I learnt from the program from which I have saved N15,000 (fifteen thousand Naira) excluding the ones I used in buying things for my up-keep and the purchase and registration of JAMB forms”.

Obesesam

“I have been able to make purses, cover shoes, slippers for women. My mother wore the shoes I made to office and her colleagues have indicated interest. I have been able to train four people on how to make purses, bags and shoes from which I raised over fifteen thousand naira (15,000). I equally made ten thousand naira from sales. I used the money to procure more materials. I plan to open a shop to make more money and train more people. The owner of the shop I am doing internship has extended my internship has extended my stay to September”.

Glory

“with the training I have received from the GPI organization, I now sew for myself and my neighbours, the money I generated realized so far is up to five thousand Naira (5,000) which I used for my upkeep”.

Blessing

“I can make clothes, purses and accessories very well; I have sewed clothes for myself and many other people as well as children wears. In June I was given a contract to make purses for a wedding train. I have realized over eighteen thousand (18,000) Naira so far, since I have a sewing machine I intend to be making clothes, bags and accessories from home as this will help me combine effectively with my schooling at the School of Health Technology, Calabar”.

We wish to thank those who have so far made donations, we appreciate you and promise to commit your donations towards the project as we look forward to a better change in our society.                       

• Benficiaries.doc (DOC)