Combatting recession and unemployment by encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship among young adolescents.

Recession and unemployment

Due to the recession in Nigeria the unemployment rate has risen to an all-time high. The standard of living is continuously decreasing, while inflation has caused an increase in pricing. The government failed in its attempts to improve the situation as there are many who do not benefit from governmental programmes. Especially women are the left unemployed and children and adolescents have little hope for future employment.

Hoping for better times…

The Holy Trinity did not wish to simply sit back and hope for a better future whilst complaining about the hard times their pupils were facing. They decided that it was their responsibility to motivate and encourage the young people to make the best out of a bad situation – to take on responsibility and to keep on trying, even though the road ahead might be tough.

…or taking the strings of your life

The school therefore organised a seminar with the intention to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among the young adolescents. Starting your own business might be ideal solution when job opportunities are a scarce. The aim of the workshop was to teach the children how to produce products, that people need in their daily lives. Thus, enabling them to establish small start-ups and improve their financial situation and standard of living.

Workshop on producing everyday objects

The young adolescents were taught how to make various products out of raw materials: from juice and yoghurt to batik dyeing and insecticide to pomade and various soaps. An expert in cosmetic production and in batik dyeing taught the students how to mix colours and make the dye. He also showed them the different procedures and patterns of dyeing with cold or warm water using a piece of cloth. Furthermore, the teachers and students received handbooks on the production of cosmetic products and candles, so that they could produce them at home.