MAI Foundation, Mastercard launch Imu Oru upskilling project in Abia
MAI Foundation for Women Empowerment and Advocacy has initiated a 12-month skills development program targeting 120 young people in Abia State through collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. The Imu Oru Upskilling Project incorporates traditional Igbo apprenticeship methods where experienced craftspeople mentor trainees in carpentry, tailoring and footwear production while providing business education. Founder Chika Ezinma Obidike stated that graduates will receive equipment packages and commercial support to establish independent enterprises.
Project Manager Amanda Obidike explained that participants will complete supplementary instruction covering financial management, interpersonal abilities and enterprise operations alongside technical coursework. Studies indicate vocational program alumni in Nigeria typically earn 30 percent above non-trained counterparts, while more than 60 percent eventually mentor others within their localities.
