In a remarkable effort to empower young girls and boys, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, Creativewoman Foundation (CWF) concluded its free six-week summer training in creative arts. The event, which took place on a Saturday in September 2024, culminated in an exhibition showcasing the works of junior secondary school students at the Art and Culture Exhibition Gallery Centre in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. This initiative provided an opportunity for over 101 students to display their talents, which they had nurtured throughout the summer.
The training was designed to bridge a crucial gap in creative arts education, particularly among students with a passion for visual arts but lacking the financial means to develop their skills. Through this initiative, CWF has empowered many of these young talents to harness their potential in an area often overlooked in formal education.
Speaking at the event, the President of Creativewoman Foundation, Ugonma Onyema, emphasized the organization’s mission to uplift young people, particularly girls, through scholarships and specialized training programs. She highlighted the importance of early skill development, explaining that the training not only fosters creativity but also equips these children with tools for long-term empowerment.
We also collaborated with IKE NKA Creatives, it was through them that we were able to enhance the program’s impact” she added.
Reflecting on the exhibition, she expressed excitement at the quality of work produced by the students, noting the visible progress and growth over the six-week training. “It’s essential to instill valuable skills in young people early on,” she said. “These skills will guide their upbringing and help them become empowered individuals in society.”
In the context of Nigeria’s challenging economic situation, the foundation believes that teaching creative skills to children will serve as a protective barrier against social vices and the lure of quick, often illegal, ways to make money. Instead, what they have learned will open doors for sustainable livelihoods and create a path to economic self-sufficiency. Many of the students who completed previous training sessions have already begun earning income within their communities by leveraging the creative skills they acquired.
Parents were encouraged to nurture their children’s talents and skills alongside formal education. “Education shapes the mind, but skills empower individuals,” the president added, urging parents to play a more active role in their children’s development.
Since its inception, CWF has provided scholarships and skill acquisition programs to underprivileged students, offering them access to education, vocational training, and digital skills development. These programs are designed to enhance job opportunities for young people, preparing them for a future where their talents can be transformed into viable careers.
Now in its third year, the summer creative arts program has trained more than 150 students, many of whom have gone on to pursue vocational education and entrepreneurship in the creative sector.
