JAN partners Sasol to empower out-of-school youth

By Alao Abiodun

In a bid to extend its reach and effectively prepare more youths to champion their economic success, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has partnered with Sasol Energy to empower out-of-school youths through its ‘Immersion Training Strategy’.

The program tagged; Targeting Young Marginalised Entrepreneurs (ITS TYME) program is ‘JAN’s ITS TYME’ initiative designed to provide basic business education to young people through a variety of hands-on activities supporting a diverse range of learners.

Through the JAN’s Company Program, students develop a better understanding of the relationship between what they learn at school and their successful participation in a worldwide economy.

According to JAN, the experience will enhance students’ understanding of the classroom curriculum and encourage them to use innovative thinking to acquire business skills, build positive attitudes, expand and enhance their career options and aspirations.

The program also focused on taking curriculum out of the classroom and into the African marketplace, motor parks, slums, refugee camps, sports arenas and other centers of youth activity with a mission to equip young people with the practical, strategic and tactical tools they need to become financially self-sufficient and active contributors to the social, economic and political life of their communities.

While addressing the graduates of the program, Director of Marketing & Innovation, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Ms. Oduolayinka Osunloye stated that ITS TYME is designed to bridge the gap between formal and informal education in young people who are out of school.

She added that beneficiaries of the program gained knowledge of basic business education skills and techniques as well as improved perceptions of entrepreneurship as a viable income-generating option.

Ms. Osunloye went on to appreciate Sasol for their partnership and commitment to the ITS TYME initiative, adding that their support over the past three years has gone a long way in preparing over 600 young Nigerians to become young conscientious business leaders and active players in the socio-economic space.

In his remarks, the Business and Technical Support Manager, Sasol Energy, Nigeria, Mr. Pat Skhonde said: “I would like to commend JAN on the work they have done in supporting

development for the youth in Nigeria through various technical and vocational skills development programs. Sasol is proud to have been able to partner with JAN on this journey for the last three years, as this demonstrates our commitment towards enabling development in the countries and communities where we operate.”

The October 2019 ITS TYME was one of the most diverse sets to graduate boasting diversity in age, skill set and background.

One of the most impactful success stories was that of Esther Enoch and her mother, Yemi Enoch who are both beneficiaries of the program and are excited to continue growing their businesses with lessons from the program.