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By Akpan David, Calabar
Twenty-eight girls from local communities of Cross River State have been trained on catering, fashion designing as well as modern communication skills using ICT.
The training held for one year and was sponsored by an NGO, Girls Leading Africa.
The girls, ages from 13-25, were selected from Akpap-Okoyong, Usung Urua and Ikoneto communitiies in Odukpani LGA of the state.
The graduation ceremony with fanfare was held Saturday and was witnessed by the three communities.
One of the graduands and beneficiaries, Mary Godwin Anna commended the NGO.
She said the one year training was impactful and enriching, adding that the skills acquired will help them to launch out and establish as small scale entrepreneurs who will also impact other young women.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of Okoyong traditional rulers body in Odukpani LGA of the state, the Kembengta Obonn Ankiong, Obonn Effiong O. Andong commended the training and the initiators and urged beneficiaries to utilize the skills they have acquired to better themselves and their families.
Speaking through a community leader, one time deputy governorship candidate in the state, Ekpo Okon, the traditional chieftain called on other NGOs to similarly think of training other youths in order to help reduce the army of unskilled and unemployed in the country.
Founder and executive director of Girls Leading Africa, Giftie Umo stressed on importance of education, adding that it was their first graduation ceremony, as well as a way of empowering women, and reducing dependency.
She said such training would curb incidents of teenage pregnancy, depending on partners and social pressure.
“As we send forth our first class of 28 girls, we are most importantly reminded that access to education and training for girls and young mothers has a significant impact on improving themselves, their families, and communities”.
She said they are geared at equipping girls and teenage mothers with the skills and educational support necessary for personal growth and community development.
Some of the best graduating trainees were presented with start-up equipment such as catering supports, sewing machines for seamstresses and computer accessories.
