Foundation Promotes Creativity, Empowers Vulnerable Girls With Skills

Ten pre-teen girls from vulnerable households in Mpape, Abuja, have received training in cosmetics production and fashion accessories under a programme organised by the Queen’s Care and Empowerment Foundation (QCEF).

The training was conducted through the foundation’s Making, Art, Discovery and Expression (M.A.D.E.) programme in partnership with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN).

Five participants learnt lip gloss production, while the other five were trained to make fashion accessories, including bow ties, from discarded Ankara fabrics.

The participants displayed their finished products at an event hosted by the Iranian Embassy, where ambassadors and other guests were present.

Speaking at the programme, Padre Benjamin Nako, Chairman of the YOWICAN Presidential Zone, said he was impressed by the participants’ ability to acquire the skills within a short period.

He encouraged the girls to apply the knowledge gained and share it with others.

One of the participants, Mercy Daniel, who learnt to make bow ties, said the training had equipped her with a new skill and boosted her confidence.

“I didn’t know that I could make it, and I feel like something has been added to my life,” she said.

She pledged to share the knowledge with other teenagers and explore opportunities to develop the skill further.

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, said the programme reflected a commitment to recognising children’s potential and promoting human solidarity.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to discover his or her talents, to develop,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of education, creativity and equal opportunities in children’s development.

The Executive Director of QCEF, Amb. Dr Ruqayya Ahmed, said the M.A.D.E. initiative was designed to give children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, opportunities to acquire practical skills and build confidence.

The event also featured the presentation of certificates to the participants and a diplomatic engagement on the proposed D-8 Charity Day.

Ambassadors from D-8 member countries, other diplomatic representatives, UNICEF Nigeria, the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders attended the programme.