•As 30 receive starter packs
By Ernest Udoh-Robert
A Non-governmental Organization, NGO, Community Partners for Development (CPD) is empowering fifty young women from Mbo and Ibeno local government areas, through vocational training.
The project which was sponsored by Global Greengrant and implemented by CPD began in October 2024, focused on selected 25 young women each from Mbo and Ibeno which made up the 50 that were trained in soap making, pastry making, hairdressing and tailoring.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Executive Director CPD, Mrs Emem Charis said that, the vocational training project was initiated with the goal of economically empowering young women in Mbo and Ibeno Local Government Areas.
She said the gesture is aimed at supporting families and reducing the incidence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) within communities.
She added that “the objective of providing young women with vocational skills that can help them achieve economic independence; reduce the rates of SGBV by empowering women to support themselves and their families; and foster a supportive community environment that encourages the growth and development of young women.”
According to Mrs Charis, the training had a three months duration period, and within two months of training, “we have seen significant participation and enthusiasm shown by trainees.”
The executive director thanked community leaders for the commitment shown towards the project.
In addressing the challenges faced by the trainees on the high cost of materials due to inflation, which has limited their ability to practice extensively on their own, the Community Partners for Development CPD, has given 30 trainees starter packs for them to economically liberate their families and communities from poverty, so they don’t become victims of sexual and gender based violence.
This they said would ensure the sustained success of the initiative and empower the young women towards creating a safer, more prosperous community.
Highlight of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of starter packs and Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to beneficiaries by CPD and Global Greengrant officials.
