By Abdoulie Nyockeh
The Unique Foundation on Saturday awarded certificates to 12 participants who successfully completed a four-month tailoring course under its Second Chance Education Programme.
The graduation ceremony, held at the organisation’s Learning and Resource Centre in Kerr Serign, marked the completion of a vocational skills training programme aimed at enhancing participants’ employability and self-reliance through practical tailoring skills.
Speaking at the event, Solomon Ifeanyi Nathaniel disclosed that all 12 graduates received certificates of participation, while six beneficiaries were provided with sewing machines and other tailoring tools to enable them establish their own businesses and apply the skills acquired during the training.
The tailoring programme forms part of a wider initiative supported by the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, which combines educational opportunities with livelihood training for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls who have faced barriers to formal education.
According to programme records, the project attracted overwhelming interest, receiving more than 620 applications from over 30 communities across the Kanifing Municipal Council and Brikama Area Council. Following vulnerability assessments, 131 participants were enrolled, exceeding the original target of 120, while 37 qualified applicants were placed on a priority waiting list.
The education component of the programme included literacy and numeracy classes, remedial lessons and preparation for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). A total of 86 participants completed mock examinations, while 20 eligible candidates received support to cover examination fees.
To respond to increasing demand, the foundation introduced staggered class schedules and secured additional workspace to expand vocational skills training activities.
Beyond education and tailoring, the project also strengthened agricultural livelihoods through a partnership with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). Under the initiative, 100 farmers in the Lower River Region received training in food preservation and processing techniques aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and adding value to surplus produce such as tomatoes, peppers and mangoes.
The programme builds on a Second Chance Education pilot project supported by the Commonwealth of Learning in 2024 and seeks to bridge educational gaps while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through practical skills development.
Organisers commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance throughout the training and encouraged them to use their newly acquired skills to improve their incomes and contribute positively to their communities.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduates while underscoring the growing demand for accessible education and vocational training opportunities for individuals facing financial and social challenges.
