More than 100 women and girls living at the New Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Abuja have received vocational training and start-up funding through an initiative to improve their economic independence and livelihoods.

The five-day training, organised by GLIDE Media Foundation in partnership with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), culminated in a grand finale on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with a focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, parenting and practical income-generating skills.

The programme, tagged Life Skills Bootcamp, sought to equip participants with the knowledge and resources needed to establish small businesses and manage their finances despite the economic challenges associated with displacement.

The theoretical component of the training was conducted ahead of the grand finale, covering financial management, personal development, entrepreneurship and parenting, while the concluding event featured practical vocational sessions.

Participants received practical instruction in producing beaded slippers, baking, soap and petroleum jelly, alongside guidance on packaging, marketing and selling their products.

The women and girls were divided into three groups, with specialised trainers providing hands-on demonstrations and supervising the production process.

During the earlier theoretical sessions, participants received guidance on budgeting, saving, expenditure planning and separating personal finances from business funds.

Facilitators also introduced participants to digital financial services, including OPay and Moniepoint, highlighting their potential use in managing transactions and supporting small businesses.

During interactive sessions, participants who already operated businesses shared their experiences of managing earnings and attracting customers.

The discussions examined the challenges small business owners face in expanding their customer base, with facilitators encouraging participants to explore social media as a means of promoting their products beyond their immediate communities.

Another session focused on personal development, decision-making, leadership and wellbeing, encouraging participants to develop confidence and set achievable goals despite their circumstances.

Parenting and child protection also featured prominently, with discussions covering positive parenting practices, children’s emotional wellbeing, school attendance and the difficulties of balancing childcare responsibilities with economic activities.

Facilitators emphasised the influence of parental behaviour on children’s development and the importance of creating supportive home environments.

At the conclusion of the five-day programme, participants received start-up funding intended to help them apply their newly acquired skills and establish small-scale income-generating activities.

GLIDE Media Foundation said the initiative was designed to help displaced women and girls develop practical skills that could support their families and reduce their dependence on external assistance.

The foundation also acknowledged the NRS for supporting the programme, expressing hope that participants would continue developing their skills and translating the training into sustainable businesses.