“This programme is intended to expose you to basic photography, Baking and ICT skills, and I hope that by the end of this programme, we would all leave here more empowered than we came.”
Those were the words of the Convener of the much-anticipated Teen-Stars Skills Training, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu (a Multimedia Content Creator and Teens Coach). The 8-hour plus Skills Training Event which was held successfully on 21st August 2024 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ibusa was organized by BreakitDown Initiative for Teens, in collaboration with the Anglican Children Ministry (ACM), Ibusa Archdeaconry, Delta State.
Present at the event were Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia, (Archdeacon of Ibusa Archdeaconry), Celestine Adimabua Okocha (ACM Zonal Chaplain), Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), Children Teachers, and other enthusiasts. The event attracted over 103 registered adolescents, with 65 attending. Participants were divided into three classes of their interests: Baking, ICT Skills, and Photography
While declaring the ceremony open, Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia expressed his appreciation to the Convener, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu, and her dedicated team. He emphasized the importance of acquiring skills alongside academic degrees while urging the participants to seize the learning opportunities presented to them by a young promising woman.
While briefing journalists, the convener, Mrs. Christabel, commended her instructors, participants and partners for their support. Presenting her Welcome Address during the event, she expressed satisfaction over the huge turnout. She said: “the event which coincided with her birthday, was her selfless commitment to catch adolescents young – It is better to catch them Young than repair them as adults. She noted that, empowering them with the necessary skills will make them to be job ready in future and become good citizens of the country. Speaking further during the event by one of the speakers, The ACM Chaplain, Celestine Okocha, also encouraged the teenagers to make the most of the training sessions.
In the words of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu as she narrated more on the trainings at the event,
the ICT Class:
“Building Digital Literacy was part of the Skills training, and the ICT Class Instructor, Mr. Abiola Olaibi (an IT Expert and Event Planner), provided a comprehensive introduction to digital literacy and practical computer applications. He highlighted the importance of understanding and utilizing digital technologies effectively. He revealed basic tips on the impact of technology on society, online safety and etiquette, intensive hands-on on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Graphic design with Canva, amongst others. The training successfully empowered 21 students with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world securely and efficiently”.
“On Baking Skills Training: Fundamentals of Confectionery,
the baking Instructor, Mrs Adediwura Olaibi (Baker, Writer and Entrepreneur) said the baking class was a sweet success, with over 35 students learning the fundamentals of cake baking and pastry making. Participants gained hands-on experience baking vanilla butter and oil-based cakes and preparing buttercream icing”. The session concluded with a bonus exercise in making puff-puff, leaving the students with new skills and sweet treats.” The Photography class, which was handled by the Convener herself was also an enriching session.
Photography Class:
Apart from using slides and pictures to teach them, I introduced them to the essentials of camera handling, safety, and setting adjustments for various environments, including indoor and outdoor, day and night scenarios for photography and videography. Students also learned how to use and set the speed light. Each participant had the chance to practice with the camera, and more than half of them confidently demonstrated their ability to adjust camera settings based on environmental factors”.
On Celebrating Achievements,
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the instructors, and outstanding students received Best Student Awards: Onos Divine Great – Best Student in ICT Skills, George Blessing Ezekiel – Best Student in Baking, Obiefule Chukwuka Great- Best Student in Photography”. According to her, the feedback from the participants were also assessed as they shared the fears and concerns they had before the class started. The Teens expressed excitement and commended the Convener for all they have learned and how it would impact on their lives going forward.
“Indeed, the Teen-Stars Skills Training turned out to be not just a skills acquisition programme, but a platform that ignited the dreams of adolescents present, and I really do hope that this experience would shapen their future for good.” She concluded.
Kudos to Mrs. Ebhonu and her team for putting together such a remarkable event! Highpoint of the event was a Birthday Surprise in honour of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu pulled by her husband, Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu, as all participants gathered for a final group photograph and celebration. See more photos here
