The first phase of the Glo Skillbridge programme, an initiative of the Glo Foundation, has commenced in Lagos, offering valuable skills training to sweepers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Aimed at equipping LAWMA staff with soft and vocational skills that would enable them to earn additional income and bridge financial gaps, the training began last week at various locations across Lagos, with about 150 sweepers participating in courses such as fashion designing, bead making, baking and digital skills.
The initiative was announced earlier at a special event celebrating LAWMA staff and sweepers in Lagos, where Glo Foundation unveiled its plan to empower participants through skills acquisition.
At the fashion and bead-making training in Gbagada, trainees were seen putting their new skills into practice. By the third day, some participants were wearing beads they had crafted themselves.
Mopelola Amusat, one of the trainees, expressed gratitude to Glo Foundation and LAWMA for the opportunity, a sentiment echoed by fellow participant Liadi Fatimoh.
The atmosphere was just as lively in Yaba at the bakery initiatives training centre.
Adebanke Busari, a supervisor, said the friendly trainers and hands-on lessons made learning enjoyable. “It will be of huge benefit to me and my family. I’ve learnt how to measure and weigh flour for various baking products and a lot of other things,” she said.
Digital skills training at ALX, Costain, Lagos also made an impact.
Ikorodu-based trainee Williams Oladipupo praised the programme for enhancing his business skills and helping him teach coding to his children.
Another participant, 22-year-old Udoh Francis, highlighted the importance of digital skills in today’s world. “The world is going digital, and only those who are prepared will be able to cope,” she said.
Glo Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Globacom, expressed delight in the progress made by the trainees and applauded their dedication.
It promised that the four-week training programme, running until July, will leave participants better equipped for the future.
