TheCable

The Whitefield Foundation has celebrated two decades of transforming lives through vocational skills and social impact.

The organisation marked the 20th anniversary in Lagos, saying it has reached 2,800 small holder farmers, 5,700 students and touched the lives of over 8,779 households.

The foundation added that its vision is to reach one million Nigerians with empowerment by the year 2025.

In a statement, Whitefield Foundation said the occasion presented an opportunity to reflect on its impactful journey of transforming lives, especially those of disadvantaged women and unemployed youth through robust vocational skills training programs.

“The foundation’s vocational skills training initiative stands out for its practical approach, equipping beneficiaries with essential skills to secure a sustainable living income. The comprehensive training covers financial literacy, business and entrepreneurship skills, communication skills, digital proficiency, and practical money-making skills. The diverse portfolio spans sectors such as hospitality, fashion, information technology, and renewable energy solutions,” the statement reads.

“The vocational skills project has seen financial grants awarded to over 1,300 top participants, with more than half being women. Testimonials from states in Nigeria, highlight success stories of participants scaling their acquired skills, training others, and starting thriving businesses, contributing to family finances and community development. In Kano state for example, over 2,200 women drawn from all the 44 local government areas were trained and empowered.

“Apart from financial grants, about 100 participants have also received support in the form of tools, including business registrations, laptops, sewing machines, and industrial machines. To date, the vocational skills training program has directly empowered over 114,000 youth and women in Nigeria. A Further 320,000 plus have also been empowered indirectly through a unique ambassadorial system of beneficiaries paying it forward.

“In addition to vocational training, Whitefield Foundation actively engages in poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and medical intervention programs. Notable efforts include medical relief for victims of violence during the October 2022 #EndSars protests, empowering smallholder farmers, and providing W.A.S.H supplies to families affected by flooding. The initiative has reached 2,800 small holder farmers in Delta and Anambra State (80% women) and over 8,779 households.

“Celebrating two decades of impact, Whitefield Foundation is giving grants to 30 MSMEs to help them sustain and grow their businesses amid economic challenges. The foundation acknowledges the pivotal role of partners and sponsors in its success and expresses gratitude on this 20th anniversary.”