LAFARGE INITIATIVES FACILITATED BY THE BRIDGE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF) is currently handling two (2) Lafarge Programmes which includes;
- Lafarge Girls in Tech Programme (Mfamosing, Abbiati, Mbobui, Ekong Anaku, Akansoko, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Diamond Hill, Essien Town, Kasuk and Obutong Communities)
- Lafarge Entrepreneurial Skills Programme (Kasuk and Essien Town Communities)
The Lafarge Girls in Tech Programme seeks to channel the unique talents of girls into the dynamic world of technology, providing them with essential skills to address challenges faced by businesses, governments, and societies. In collaboration with Aptech and Arena Multimedia, leading technology incubation and opportunity centres recognized globally, this bootcamp aims to be a transformative experience for girls aspiring to make a mark in the tech industry.
Out of 22 applicants, 10 beneficiaries were selected for the programme which followed an Onboarding session on Friday 5th April, 2024 where the 10 selected beneficiaries were given laptops and bags to support their learning process.
Highlights of the event included remarks by the CRC Chairman, Goodwill Messages from Commissioners from Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Women Affairs, and Ministry of Youth Development, Presentation of beneficiaries, experience sharing by Tech Experts. Further highlights included, workshop sessions, keynote address and networking session.
The skills training areas includes;
- Audio-Video Editing, UI/UX Design & Web Design,
- Responsive Web Development,
- Graphics Design (Adobe Pro and Canva Pro),
- Cybersecurity
Beneficiaries are currently undergoing training at Aptech and Arena Multimedia training centres with a weekly monitoring exercise and virtual check-in sessions to ensure beneficiaries are committed to the training demands.
The Lafarge Entrepreneurial Skills Programme aims to promote economic empowerment and job creation and also enhance community development, wealth distribution, skill development, innovation, and sustainability, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
An introductory meeting was held with the Lafarge team, Kasuk and Essien Town Community Members at Lafarge Head Office, Diamond Hill, Calabar, Cross River State then an interview and assessment exercise was conducted for applicants on the 18th April, 2024 which followed the selection of 19 beneficiaries; 6 from Essien Town for Tech Skills Training and 13 from Kasuk Community; 7 for tailoring skills training and 6 for computer skills training.
The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF) team with support from Lafarge also carried out an assessment and re-evaluation exercise on Wednesday 24th April, 2024 to assess 5 (M:3, F:2) trainers from Kasuk community for the Lafarge Entrepreneurial Skills Programme. The purpose of the assessment and re-evaluation exercise was to ensure the trainers possess up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to the programme’s objectives.
The team is excited about the next Steps for the Entrepreneurial Skills Programme Includes:
- A 2-Days Business and Financial Literacy Skills Development Training for selected beneficiaries
- Assigning of beneficiaries to their training centres
- Thorough monitoring of the training process
