CKF exposes 240 girls to advanced career programme

In line with its project and strategic initiatives in girl-child education, Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF), has exposed about 240 public secondary school leavers to advanced career guidance and counseling programme.

Tagged “CKF-Advanced career planning conference,” the event, held at Zone Tech Park, Gbagada, brought in professionals in law, engineering, information technology, financial services, medicine and biological sciences, who in their respective sessions, mentored the students on how best to embark on their career journey.

The project targeted at expanding the career horizon of the participants had pupils, who graduated from 10 public secondary schools in Lagos in attendance.CKF chairman, Mrs. Beatrice Kolade, remarked that the conference would help participants make informed and beneficial career choices as they advance to the next phase of their lives.

“We normally hold valedictory programmes for our school leavers, that is those that participated in the SHE initiative.  We train them to know their physical and academic strength, understand and follow their passion, as it will play a huge role in choosing their career.

Noting that the foundation focuses primarily on increasing the girl child’s participation and proficiency in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Music and Agriculture (STEMMA), she stressed, “If you train a girl-child, you have numerous advantages. And when she finally becomes a mother, she will train her children very well.  I am from a family of 10 and we were eight girls. I was the first.  That made me learn the advantages of having girls.  If my parents were alive, they would tell that the girls took care of the family more than the boys.”

Managing Consultant, CKF, Ms Omobola Lana, said the advanced career programme was designed to knowledgeably empower the girls to make great career choices in their various fields. She added that the facilitators would help cultivate their competency, confidence and capability to take up any career irrespective of their gender.

Deputy Managing Director, Lumos Nigeria, Mrs. Abimbola Shopeju, who spoke on the topic, “Skills for success in any career: Distinguishing traits of the best job candidates,” through her inspirational narratives, provided tips on how to attract good jobs and develop the right attitude for success.

A participant, Adenike Ikumapayi, who finished from Estate Senior Grammar School, Ilupeju, Oshodi, while lauding the CKF project stated, “I was at SHE for a year.  I gained a lot of experience.  I used to be very shy.  But now I am bold and can face a crowd.  I also learnt a lot about technology,” she said.