One hundred women from various communities across Anambra State were on Friday, onboarded during the inauguration of the maiden edition of the Anambra Skilled Ladies Program.
The initiative championed by the wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo aims to train and empower young Anambra women with skills in crafts and other competencies originally reserved for men, as a means of encouraging economic independence and gender equality.
Participants will within the next two months, undergo rigorous training modules in specific areas including Solar and CCTV Installation and Repairs, AC Repair and Maintenance, Carpentry, Tricycle (Keke) Repair, and Painting.
Addressing the participants during the program launch at the Light House, Awka, Dr Soludo explained that the Anambra Skilled Ladies Program was a well-designed entrepreneurial package that offers young women the opportunity to learn and prosper through high-demand lucrative skills.
She revealed that when the application portal for the program was floated, over ten thousand submissions were registered within one week, adding that through a painstaking process, the 100 finalists were selected.
“Our earlier plan was to start off with fifty trainees, but moved by your passion and keen interest, we had no choice but to double the figure.
“Our screening process was strict and rigorous, therefore, whoever made it to this stage has shown considerable passion and the right willingness to make a change.
“Today’s event holds a distinct position in the heart of our history as a non-governmental crusade, even as we are in a month that has been globally dedicated to appreciating the uniqueness, beauty, and resilience of womanhood.” she said.
Noting that the training will feature intense two month sessions, one month for practical classes and an extra one month for internship, the Anambra first lady said the trainees will be directly monitored and supervised by their trainers, while an independent team will be set up to follow up on their day-to-day development.
“Classes are strictly in-person, and you are required to achieve at least 98% of class attendance to be certified, and any trainee who flouts the rules of the program will be automatically disqualified and replaced.
“What we plan to give these women is a platform to succeed. In these skills environment, evidently dominated by men, we want them to become a beacon of hope and faith for their families, communities, and our dear state and beyond.
“We encourage them to allow resilience drive their everyday tasks, to show seriousness and dedication to their projects, and respect their trainers and fellow trainees.
“To the trainers, we are handing these ladies into your care, mentorship, and tutelage. We are counting highly on you to mould them with patience, dedication, and professionalism.
Let their development and success be your primary objective,” she pleaded.
The Anambra governor’s wife also revealed plans to organize a masterclass on business development for the trainees after the two-month training, adding that what the government envisages to accomplish with the program is to groom a crop of skilled women who will drive increased women’s interest and exploits in the chosen vocations.
“This second stage will be key session and we will be brining in professionals to teach the trainees on small scale business accounting, management operations for beginners, application for loans, financial discipline, as well as other basics about business management,” she noted.
Earlier, one of the master trainers in carpentry, Mrs Amarachi Abraham appreciated the wife of the governor for the opportunity provided young women under the program, describing it as a life-changing adventure.
She acknowledged that such trainings require commitment and discipline, urging the participants to make the most use of the opportunity.
Other master trainers, including Mrs Lucy Onoh for carpentry, Engr Cornel Nwankwo and Engr Anthonia Okafor for solar and CCTV installation and repairs, pitched to the trainees on the various vocations floated, reminding them that the training will have a ripple effect for their future and that of their families.
Describing the selected skill areas under the program as very high in demand, they advised the trainees against developing cold feet when the rigours of the training begin.
According to them the trainees focus should be on learning the skills and mastering them and not on getting the certification.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike revealed that all necessary equipment to be used for the training have been procured by the governor’s wife, urging the participants to make their benefactor proud with their participation during the two-month period.
In a vote of thanks, one of the trainees, Lilian Onyerionwu appreciated the Anambra First Lady for the opportunity she provided them to be trained professionally and pledged their commitment to ensuring that the whole exercise yields the intended purpose.
