The Ishk Tolaram Foundation has pledged to continue transforming lives of Nigerian youths, particularly those with limited educational qualifications, through vocational skills.
Mr Abiola Uyene, Senior Programme Manager of the organisation, made the pledge at the graduation of 500 beneficiaries of the foundation’s vocational skills programme.
The event took place in Lagos.
Uyene said that the organisation was committed to providing vocational training, soft skills and practical workplace experience for the youth.
“Having soft skills before vocational training is a game changer as beneficiaries develop the right mindset, resilience, teamwork and patience needed to succeed in their trades,” he added.
Uyene said the beneficiaries received 100 per cent scholarships and basic training tools during their three-month classroom vocational training.
He added that the beneficiaries underwent a three-month industrial training with employer-partners.
He said that the industrial attachment enabled participants to have practical experience in addition to classroom knowledge.
According to him, some of the beneficiaries also received grants to establish or expand their enterprises.
He said that some beneficiaries came with only O’Level certificates and little hope, but the programme gave them skills, support, workplace experience and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The programme manager said that the foundation expanded the programme beyond Lagos to Abuja and Ibadan in 2026, establishing partnerships to strengthen the programme and broaden the impact.
In her remarks, Ms Glory Ewarts, an alumna of the foundation and beneficiary of the foundation’s ₦1.5 million support for fashion designing, described the programme as impactful.
She said that the programme improved her skills and inspired her to train others.
Ewarts said the programme deepened her understanding of garment production, enabling her to train women across several states.
“It has been wonderful. I have trained at least 1,000 women in garment manufacturing across several states in Nigeria.
“I have impacted lives and I have also been impacted,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs Ayanfejesu Famubode, Lead, Communications, Public Relations and Strategy, Ishk Tolaram Foundation, said the initiative promoted gender balance.
According to her, the training opportunity is open for youths to explore diverse skills, develop their potential and become self-reliant irrespective of their gender.
“You can see females in plumbing and solar installation, and you can see males in fashion designing,” she said.
Mrs Unabor Olanike, who was trained as a plumber, said the programme gave her renewed confidence and financial independence, making her to see herself beyond her roles as a wife and mother.
Olanike said although balancing plumping with motherhood could be challenging, the skill strengthened her resolve to become financially strong.
“I am not just a mother and a wife. I am now also somebody who can do something with her hands,” she said.
The ceremony featured presentation of the IshK Alumni Business Grant Award, IshK Award of Excellence, and recognition of Skills Pathways Trainees.
A total of ₦15 million was awarded to 20 beneficiaries to support and expand businesses linked to their acquired vocational skills, at the event.
Outstanding trainees were also recognised for commitment and excellence throughout the training period. (NAN)
