The initiative, tagged “Skill to Scale”, was formally launched during an onboarding ceremony held in Abakaliki, bringing together government officials, trainers, civil society organisations, and beneficiaries.
The programme is being implemented under the Uplift Programme of Africa Forward, with support from development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EB-SMEDAN), Dr. Stephen Odoh, urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing intervention.
“This is a rare opportunity that can redefine your lives.
"Your level of commitment will determine how far you go.
"The government is fully aligned with initiatives like this and will continue to support the NEW Foundation throughout the lifespan of this project and beyond," he said.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s People’s Charter of Needs and would serve as a model for youth empowerment and inclusive economic development.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of NEW Foundation, Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, said the programme was designed to address youth unemployment by equipping participants with market-relevant and income-generating skills.
He explained that trainees would undergo intensive hands-on instruction in seven key areas including digital literacy, fashion and design, cosmetology, pastries and catering, mushroom farming, beauty salon services, and barbing.
“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of skilled, confident, and economically empowered youths who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
"We are investing in their potential, and we believe that with the right support, they can become job creators rather than job seekers," Okozie said.
He also called on government institutions, private sector players, and philanthropic organisations to support the programme with startup grants and post-training assistance to ensure smooth transition from training to enterprise.
According to the foundation, the Skill to Scale programme will run in four cohorts over a two-year period, combining practical training, mentorship, and business development support.
Beneficiaries expressed optimism that the programme would equip them with the skills needed to achieve financial independence and improve their standard of living.
Stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that the initiative would not only transform individual lives but also contribute to broader economic growth and social stability in Ebonyi State and beyond.
