‘The Freedom Project’ Organizes Life Skills Training and Graduates Cohorts I and II of its Business Academy

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE- On August 9th, 2023, Pathfinders’ ‘The Freedom Project’ organized a life skills training, in conjunction with the graduation ceremony for our Cohorts I & II Pathfinders Business Academy (PBA) beneficiaries. This event marked a significant step in our efforts to equip women with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges and build successful businesses. Overall, it was a well-rounded learning experience for the beneficiaries.

The day kicked off with a series of insightful trainings designed to empower our beneficiaries with essential life skills. In the first training, a seasoned clinical psychologist shared invaluable insights on managing stressful experiences and preventing depression, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle. The session provided a safe space for participants to learn how to cope with life’s ups and downs, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

The second training was conducted by a certified accountant who emphasized the significance of personal money management. Beneficiaries gained crucial knowledge about the art of budgeting, making wise use of credit and accessing online banking services. With financial literacy being emphasized as a core aspect of personal and business success, this session equipped attendees with practical tools for managing their finances effectively. To provide a further understanding of online banking and its relevance to small businesses, a representative from a local bank joined us and explained the various online banking services tailored to meet the needs of small enterprises, while highlighting how these services can help the beneficiaries build efficient business structures.

Following these training sessions, it was time to celebrate the accomplishments of PBA’s Cohorts I & II. The PBA graduates shared their experiences and the transformative impact of the business education on their entrepreneurial journeys. They also shared about the skills and strategies they learned that have empowered them to pursue their business dreams. In recognition of their dedication and hard work, each graduate was presented with a well-deserved certificate of completion. As a token of appreciation and support, they also received gift packs, enjoyed a delicious lunch and were provided with a transportation stipend. These gestures aimed to acknowledge their achievements and further motivate them on their entrepreneurial path.

The Freedom Project is funded by a grant from the United States Department of State, to which we are grateful. It is essential to note that the opinions, findings, and conclusions presented are Pathfinders Justice Initiative’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of State.