No fewer than 300 women, including widows and other vulnerable groups, have been trained in various income, generating skills in Seme, Republic of Benin, as part of an empowerment initiative by the Healing Health Foundation.
The three-day programme, hosted by Evangelist Francios Tossou of End-Time Soul Winners Ministry, focused on equipping participants with practical and sustainable skills to enhance their financial independence following the loss of their spouses or economic hardship.
Founder and President of the Foundation, Rev. (Mrs.) Sophy Mbanisi, said the training covered a wide range of vocational areas, including the production of liquid soap, detergents, disinfectants, fascinators, fabrics, stain removers, and tie-and-dye materials.
She explained that the sessions were divided into morning and afternoon practical classes, alongside evening crusades aimed at inspiring hope and spiritual upliftment among participants.
Mbanisi noted that each participant acquired at least two skills during the training, describing the initiative as part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to promote self-reliance among vulnerable populations.
“The idea was to train the women on lucrative but not too capital-intensive businesses through which they can grow financially. Over 300 widows, vulnerable women, young girls, and men participated, and each of them learnt two skills,” she said.
In addition to the vocational training, the Foundation conducted a free medical outreach supported by Gift Health Plus Lagos. The outreach included eye screenings, distribution of reading glasses, and provision of pre- and postnatal vitamins to over 40 pregnant and nursing mothers.
Highlighting a shift in its empowerment model, Mbanisi revealed that the Foundation has discontinued the distribution of cash grants, citing inefficiency in previous interventions.
“Many beneficiaries often spent the cash without investing it in the intended purpose. As a result, we have adopted the provision of start-up kits to ensure sustainability,” she said.
According to her, 12 beneficiaries—three from each of the four major skill categories—were provided with start-up materials to launch their businesses.
She expressed gratitude for the successful execution of the programme, which had been in planning for two years, while also identifying funding constraints as a major challenge.
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Mbanisi attributed the financial strain to the declining value of the Nigerian currency, noting that the Foundation exceeded its initial budget to deliver the project.
Despite the challenges, she reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to expanding its empowerment initiatives beyond Nigeria and continuing to impact vulnerable communities across borders.
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