03/03/2025
REPORT ON YOUTH TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM ON SOAP MAKING
Organized by: Caring-aid Immaculate Heart of Mary Philanthropic Initiative
Sponsored by: Sisters Rising Worldwide
INTRODUCTION
The Caring-aid Immaculate Heart of Mary Philanthropic Initiative successfully conducted a Youth Training and Empowerment Program focused on tablet soap making, liquid soap making, and detergent soap making. This initiative aimed to equip young individuals with practical skills that can foster self-reliance, enhance entrepreneurship, and improve economic opportunities within Onitsha and its environs.
The training was financially sponsored by an NGO ‘Sisters Rising Worldwide’, who provided support for both the training materials and the empowerment fund and also funds to upgrade our Stella Maris Soap Industry with modern equipment and infrastructure. The grant for this noble project was written by our dear Sr. Maria Chinweze Enujiofor, she was also part of the team that anchored the training and empowerment program.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
- To provide hands-on training on tablet soap making, liquid soap making, and detergent production for unemployed youths in Onitsha Anambra State and its environment.
- To empower youths financially to start small-scale businesses in soap production.
- To encourage entrepreneurship and self-sustainability among young people.
- To reduce unemployment by creating opportunities for income generation.
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM
Total Participants: 48 youths participated in the Programme conducted between 18th to 21st January, 2025 (1st Batch)
Gender Breakdown: 17 males, 31 females
TRAINING MODULES COVERED
- Basics of soap making
- Selection of raw materials
- Practical sessions on liquid soap, tablet soap, and detergent production
- Packaging and branding
- Costing and pricing strategies
- Marketing and sales techniques
EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT
Upon completion of the training, each participant received ₦50,000 as an empowerment grant to kick-start their soap-making business. This financial support was crucial in ensuring that the youths could immediately apply their newly acquired skills in a practical setting.
IMPACT AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Create self-employment opportunities for the beneficiaries.
- Boost local soap production, thereby reducing reliance on commercial brands.
- Enhance economic stability for the beneficiaries and their families.
- Encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and inspire others in the community to learn vocational skills.
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
- Some participants required extra support in understanding the technical aspects of soap making.
- Material costs posed a challenge in setting up immediate production units for some participants.
- The need for follow-up and mentorship to ensure the sustainability of the businesses.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Establish a mentorship program to guide the beneficiaries in business development.
- Organize follow-up training sessions to address challenges faced during production.
- Seek additional funding for business expansion support.
- Encourage beneficiaries to form cooperative groups for easier access to raw materials and markets.
CONCLUSION
The Youth Training and Empowerment Programme on Soap Making was a resounding success. With the support of Sisters Rising Worldwide, 48 young people have been equipped with skills and startup capital to begin their journey in entrepreneurship. This initiative has laid the foundation for sustainable income generation and economic independence.
Moving forward, the Caring-aid Immaculate Heart of Mary Philanthropic Initiative remains committed to ensuring the progress of these young entrepreneurs through continuous guidance, networking opportunities, and additional training.
Sr. Mary Faustina Osuji IHM
