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As Whitefield Foundation marks two decades of unwavering commitment to empowerment, the organization reflects 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.
In 2019, Anu Oshilaja, CEO of Annyz Bag, underwent the ‘SHAPE’ vocational skill training program. This experience fine-tuned her shoe and bag-making skills and equipped her with invaluable business and entrepreneurship skills, leading to significant business growth. In 2020, the foundation further supported her with a financial grant for an industrial machine, propelling her business to new heights and making her an inspiration to many.
From 2011 to 2018, the vocational skills program included creative training in acting, photography, cinematography, and video editing. Notably, between 2019 and 2022, Whitefield Foundation scaled up its impact, reaching over 95,000 Nigerians with programs like ‘S.H.A.P.E 2020,’ ‘SHAPE SIP,’ and ‘EQUIP 60000’. The programs provided training, grants, and a hybrid virtual-physical approach to skill development.
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 smallholder 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.
Whitefield Foundation has been at the forefront of providing empowerment, educational, and entrepreneurial training to thousands of young adults in Lagos, Nigeria. In the past 18 years of our existence, Whitefield Foundation has specifically supported over 5, 700 students with educational support.
The vision of Whitefield Foundation is ambitious yet clear: to reach 1 million Nigerians with empowerment by the year 2025. The foundation remains open to partnerships and support from individuals and corporate organizations dedicated to eradicating poverty through education and empowerment.
As the Foundation strives to change the narrative of Nigeria as one of the poorest nations, it calls for collective action and support. Together with partners, sponsors, and well-meaning individuals, Whitefield Foundation aims to create a future where education and empowerment uplift millions of distressed Nigerians.
