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Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program

Overview

The Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program is FECY Foundation’s flagship initiative for equipping young people with practical, life-changing skills that open doors to employment, creativity, and self-reliance. In today’s world, education alone is often not enough. Many talented youths graduate without opportunities — not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack access to relevant, marketable skills.


FECY Foundation launched this program to bridge that gap — empowering children, teenagers, and young adults with vocational and digital training that prepares them for real-world success. The program is built on FECY’s conviction that true empowerment comes when people gain the ability to create value, not just seek it.


Purpose

The Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program was established to:

  • Equip young people with hands-on skills that promote economic independence.
  • Reduce unemployment by fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship.
  • Discover and nurture creative potential among underprivileged youths.
  • Encourage a culture of dignity in labor and lifelong learning.
  • Strengthen communities through sustainable empowerment rather than temporary relief.


This project directly reflects FECY’s belief that every young person deserves not just a chance to survive — but the tools to thrive.


What We Do

  1. Identify and Select Beneficiaries: Through outreach and partnerships, FECY identifies young people — especially from low-income families — who show interest in learning a trade, craft, or digital skill.
  2. Sponsor Enrollments into Partner Training Centers: Beneficiaries are enrolled in professional institutions and training programs based on their area of interest, including: MDS Design School Collaboration – training in graphic design, branding, and digital media, Fashion Design School Enrollment – sponsorship for youths (especially young women) to learn fashion design, tailoring, and garment making. and Other Vocational Trainings – such as hairdressing, catering, bead-making, photography, and crafts, depending on community needs and available partnerships.
  3. Provide Learning Support and Tools: In addition to tuition, FECY often assists trainees with learning kits or starter tools — such as sewing equipment, design software access, or basic materials — to help them learn effectively.
  4. Mentorship and Guidance: Throughout the training, beneficiaries receive mentorship from FECY volunteers and professionals who guide them on personal development, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
  5. Post-Training Support: Upon graduation, participants are encouraged to start small businesses, freelance, or join cooperatives. Some are also absorbed as FECY volunteers, using their skills to support foundation projects.

Impact

The Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program has changed lives and communities:

  • Youths once idle and dependent are now productive and self-sufficient.
  • Several beneficiaries from the MDS Design School arm now design professional graphics and work as freelancers.
  • Enrolled trainees in fashion design schools have started their own small tailoring ventures or are apprenticing under established designers.
  • The program continues to break barriers for young women — helping them gain confidence, purpose, and financial stability.

One beneficiary shared:


“FECY didn’t just give me a sewing machine; they gave me the courage to dream again.”


Sustainability

The program is sustained through:

  • Partnerships with vocational and technical schools that offer training discounts for sponsored students.
  • Donations and sponsorships from individuals and organizations that believe in youth empowerment.
  • Mentorship and alumni involvement, as past beneficiaries return to train or sponsor new participants.


FECY maintains close contact with graduates, encouraging a “lift as you rise” mindset — where every empowered youth becomes a beacon of empowerment for others.


Looking Ahead

FECY Foundation’s goal is to scale the Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program across Nigeria — reaching more communities and diversifying skill options.

Future plans include:

  • Establishing the FECY Skill and Empowerment Hub — a permanent training center offering courses in fashion, design, digital media, and small business management.
  • Partnering with microfinance institutions to offer start-up support for outstanding trainees.
  • Expanding into new creative and technical fields such as ICT, photography, catering, and renewable energy installation training.


Through this program, FECY Foundation continues to invest not only in education but in capability — turning hope into skill, and skill into independence.


“When we teach a skill, we plant a seed — one that can feed a family, sustain a dream, and change a generation.”