…gives start-up kits to beneficiaries
In Ekiti State, a Non Governmental Organisation, GoldHeart Foundation in collaboration with Carebridge Initiative and Victoria Ben Foundation has trained over thirty teenage mothers in various skills needed to make them self reliant and useful to the society.
The beneficiaries drawn from Irepodun Ifelodun and Ido-Osi local governments were trained on baking of confectioneries, pastry making, liquid soap production, and creating health-conscious zobo drinks just to mention but a few.
The programme tagged “Project Skill Her.” with funding support from Edustipend was part of efforts to uplift teenage mothers in Ekiti State and equip them with skills that could make them self reliant.
During the training session, Pharm. Omotayo Faith, team lead of Carebridge Initiative, shared her personal connection to the project.
She said“Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of teenage mothers in my community. This initiative is a step towards alleviating those hardships. I extend my gratitude to Edustipend for their support in providing startup kits, which not only foster independence but also build resilience among these young women.”
The Executive Director emphasized that the training goes beyond economic empowerment; it encompasses health education as well as the beneficiaries were educated on how to take care of their health and their children.
Participants also received vital information on personal hygiene and immunization, recognizing that many of these young mothers were unprepared for the challenges of motherhood.
Each participant also received a startup kit, and those who excel with their kits will benefit from financial support, if recommended by the community monitors dedicated to their success.
Facilitator Mrs. Daramola Bukunmi highlighted the participants’ enthusiasm and receptiveness to learning. “We educated them on food hygiene, financial literacy, and branding, along with guidance on registering their small businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This thoughtful initiative is vital for their future, and I am proud to have contributed.”
One of the beneficiaries, a 12-year-old teenage mother from Ido, expressed her gratitude: “I am happy to be part of this program. Now I can make zobo and sell it to support myself and my son. Ese fun anawo si wa!”
Mr. Tosin Obadare, administrator of the Community Skills Acquisition Centre in Iyin-Ekiti, commended the organizations for bringing this initiative to their community.
He pledged ongoing support for future projects and acknowledged the welcoming nature of the King of Iyin, Oba Ajakaiye who is enthusiastic about initiatives that benefit teenage mothers.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Gold Heart Foundation, Moyinoluwa Ogundowole confirmed that teenage mothers often face numerous challenges, including stigmatization and financial dependence adding that the “Project Skill Her” is a beacon of hope, providing the young women with the tools they need to forge brighter futures for themselves and their families.
She commended the participants for their cooperation and promised to come up with more initiatives to support teenage mothers.
