*Display of working tools by Innerwheel to skills participants.
*Innerwheel skill acquisition participants.
By Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyi
Careers and vocational skills of some artisans in Lagos where boosted on Tuesday , November 1, in Lagos as Inner wheels International, District 911 Nigeria, trained and empowered them with working tools to better their lives.
In a graduation ceremony held at the organization’s vocational hall in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, participants numbering over 50 who the six week intensive training on vocations like fashion design, catering, hair-dressing and bead making.
The chairperson District 911 Nigeria, Inner Wheel International Club, Mrs. Olusanya in her opening remark praised the participants in exhibiting all sense of seriousness to acquired good knowledge about their chosen vocation. She also charged them to be dedicated to their jobs and show more concern towards advancing from where they have started. Olusanya also advised all the participants to make good use of the working tools supplied to them for start-ups and warned that such equipments should not be sold or be misused.
However, the participants speaking through their class leader thanked the organisation for not only training them but also empowering them with tools which they ordinarily could not buy because of the economic situation in the country.
Meanwhile, a participant, Mrs. Opara who got sewing machine as reward for participating was full of joy having acquired a sewing machine to start her own fashion design shop. “I thank God I participant in this programme.
Despite the short period the programme was conducted, I learnt so many things I couldn’t have gotten as apprentice elsewhere. I was taught in practical and theory from the resource persons.”
Another participant, a young man from Cross River State, Igri Christopher, and the only male in the group who trained as a caterer was equally elated as he got an oven for baking. To him, “it is a dream made possible as I have been empowered in training and equipped with tool to work.”
During a counseling session to the artisans, Mrs. Remi Onafuye, Inner Wheel, Surulere Chapter gave a short pep on health tips. She admonished the participants, especially hair dressers to be clean at all time when working, so as to attract more customers. She laments that most artisans do not consider that cleanliness is next to good wealth in business.
Certificate of participation was awarded to participants with working tools that include sewing machines, hair dressing dryers, trinket boxes for bead makers, baking oven for caters and decorating equipments for interior decorators.
