By Patrick Obia
A non-profit making organization, Girls Leading Africa (GLA) has graduated no fewer than twenty-eight students from its skill acquisition program.
The graduates who were all young females were trained in skills such as tailoring, catering, information communication technology among others as a way to be self-reliant.
At the graduation ceremony held at Akpap Okoyong community in Odukpani local government area, they were charged to excel and impact others on others for a better society.
In a message to graduates and parents, the Founder of GLA, Miss. Giftie Umo said the purpose of the training is to avert most of the problems girl children face such as teenage pregnancy amongst others.
The founder was represented by a Board of Trustees (BOT) member of the foundation, Miss. Funlola Ojo who disclosed that the choice of Akpap Okoyong is to amplify their voices.
“We are looking for a way to give back to the girls especially. Most organizations will just come and all they do is motivational talks. So we’re looking for a different way where the children will go back and say ok, I’m self-employed and also create a ripple effect to other girls.
“If you look at Calabar there are a lot of NGOs but if you come to this part of the world you will find out that little of them here, so, we said let’s give back to them here; this place is not that exposed but I’m sure this initiative will expose the community.”
She further said, “Most of them depend on their male counterparts to feed and to clothe them; the reason behind the teenage pregnancy. But look at it today, if I am able to have something to do for myself there is no need depending on a man. That does not mean you’re not going to depend on a man but it will be minimal because you know what you’re asking a man for. The mentality we are creating for the girls is that: if you’re making money you won’t be thinking of sleeping with a man for money.”
Appreciating the NGO, a community leader Hon. Ekpo Okon said he was elated at what he saw and urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the organization and the Akpap Okoyong community.
“So far, I am encouraged by what I have seen. If we continue with this kind of program we will help raise a future for our younger ones. The graduates should find commitment in what they are doing and once they do, they can excel.”
Highpoints of the ceremony were the presentation of certificates, presentation of start-up equipment for best graduating students, cultural display, and group photographs.
See pictures below:
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