UNDP Nigeria has joined forces with LeLook Bags Academy to launch an innovative training programme. The initiative, dubbed “LeLook and Learn,” aims to equip unemployed youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), with practical bag-making skills.
The programme’s onboarding ceremony, held on October 2, 2024, at the LeLook Bags Academy in Abuja, marked the beginning of a three-month intensive training course. This initiative is designed to provide valuable, employable skills to 100 young Nigerians from underserved groups, with a focus on those with limited formal education.
The National Programmes Specialist and Lead on the HerAfCFTA initiative, Ms. Clare Henshaw, emphasised the programme’s significance: “LeLook and Learn is pivotal in UNDP’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians, particularly women and marginalised groups. We aim to foster self-sufficiency and cultivate an inclusive, skilled workforce that can drive Nigeria’s economic transformation through enhanced trade under AfCFTA.”
The training aligns with UNDP’s HerAfCFTA initiative and the #HerFacility component, strategically positioning participants to meet international standards in bag manufacturing. This focus is crucial for leveraging opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), supporting Nigeria’s broader economic growth.
The Managing Director and CEO of LeLook Bag Academy, Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, shared her entrepreneurial journey, inspiring participants to seize this opportunity. “LeLook’s journey is a testament to dedication and tenacity. I encourage you to embrace this training wholeheartedly and explore its boundless potential,” she urged.
The programme features a hands-on approach tailored to diverse needs, including those with hearing and speech impairments. Participants will progressively master advanced bag-making techniques, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the manufacturing sector.
By developing a skilled workforce ready to participate in trade under the AfCFTA, this initiative is positioned to support Nigeria’s economic growth and the continent’s economic integration. As participants gain expertise to meet international production standards, they are poised to drive increased trade opportunities, bolstering both national development and personal livelihoods.
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