DDiAdmiNOn this World Youth Skills Day 2024, we proudly celebrate the theme “Youth Skills for Peace and Development” by showcasing the remarkable achievements of young individuals who have transformed their lives through the USADF-LSETF program. This initiative, funded by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Lagos State Government, and implemented with technical support from Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), has empowered thousands of young people in Lagos with essential skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
One of the standout success stories is that of James Peter, who transitioned from working as a security guard to becoming a skilled solar technician. After attending a training at Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) – a leading vocational, technical, and entrepreneurship training institute in Nigeria, dedicated to empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge for economic independence and career success – James now thrives at The Lekki Solar Company.
Reflecting on his journey, James shared:
“The training has been incredibly impactful, reshaping my career from a security guard to a solar technician. One significant instance was when I moved to a new apartment and noticed errors in the wiring. I took permission from the landlord and corrected them. This experience, among others, has boosted my confidence and earned me respect from my friends, family, and neighbors. Renewable energy skills are crucial for providing regular power supply and offering hope for a sustainable future. I am grateful to USADF, LSETF, DDI and FSD for this life-changing opportunity.”
Another inspiring story is that of Alao Usman Olaitan, who excelled in data analysis training at 8thGear Hub – a dynamic venture studio and project delivery company dedicated to creating sustainable and profitable businesses by developing innovative solutions to key challenges and supporting entrepreneurs through various programs and resources. His newly acquired skills opened numerous doors for him, including winning a ₦500,000 pitch contest by Unity Bank and securing internships. Currently, he applies his skills at FairMoney Microfinance Bank. Usman elaborates:
“The data analysis training, combined with entrepreneurial skills, enhanced my ability to create a solid business model and communicate effectively. This led to my success in the entrepreneurial pitch contest and securing multiple internships. At FairMoney, I use data analysis daily to monitor and control fraud risks, providing data-driven recommendations to mitigate these risks. Acquiring these skills has been transformative, boosting my confidence and problem-solving abilities. Data analysis can contribute to peacebuilding by identifying potential conflicts early and developing proactive strategies, as emphasized by my facilitators at 8thGear Hub.”
These stories reflect the essence of World Youth Skills Day – recognizing the strategic importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to address global challenges and advance sustainable development. As we celebrate their achievements, we acknowledge the critical role of USADF and the Lagos State Government, with the invaluable technical support from DDI, in empowering youth to become agents of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories and learn more about their journeys by visiting our blog post at www.ddinigeria.org/blog
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