ATLAS graduates 60 youths in Lagos

No fewer than 60 out of school youths in Ikorodu, Lagos graduated from the Enriching Lives Through Education (ELITE) course organised by Access to Learning and School (ATLAS).

The training featured sessions on civil engagement, social inclusion, active citizenship and 3D epoxy.

One of the beneficiaries, a student of Agricultural Science of Lagos State University, Rahimat Sekoni, said: I have learnt how to relate with people of different colour, how to be a good business woman.

“I also learn how to use 3D epoxy to create a lot of products. I intend to train other people with this new skills l so that together we can reduce unemployment in Nigeria.”

Executive Director ATLAS Habeeb Balogun said the training was to empower youths in Ikorodu Local Government Areas with essential life skills, vocational skills, and inclusive and equitable quality education.

He noted this project provided young girls and women the opportunity to unlock their entrepreneurial potentials and contribute meaningfully to household incomes.

He added that providing learning platforms for boys is also a crucial component of this project.

He stated that young persons selected for the project were trained on a particular innovative skill (3D epoxy) while harnessing their creativity.

Habeeb said: “The intent of ATLAS Initiative is to explore the creativity of young people to create many artifacts like picture frames, earrings, necklaces, from 3D epoxy and develop businesses and make money from this skill as well.”

“The usual Epoxy trainings which are quite expensive, this unique training has taught them how to make use of relatively cheap and available resources and spend less.

“With a thousand naira or less, they can create something. A sample of a 3D epoxy creation was shown around to everyone present.”

Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Princess Shade Oba, was excited about the scheme.

She said: “We still have vibrant, diligent energetic, and committed youths who are ready to change the narrative to positives.”

She stressed that Nigeria youths can make a change but need to empower themselves with the requisite skills and education.