Female Youth Academy

Our academy, started in 2019 is located at 177 Aka Road, Uyo. At this academy, for now, there are 7 core departments in which these female youths obtain their free year-long training. These departments are; 

1. Department of Fashion and Designing (Haute Couture and Creative Arts) 
2. Department of Computer Science and Technology 
3. Department of Catering (Culinary Arts and Hospitality) 
4. Department of Hairdressing and Wig Artistry 
5. Department of Makeover and Gele Tying (Cosmetics and Headgear Artistry) 
6. Department of Cinematography and Photographic Arts 
7. Department of Music and Instrumental Performance (The Purple Brass)

Fosters creativity and artistic expression, offering basic training in fashion designing, tailoring, and various creative arts disciplines. Students are provided with a platform to explore their passion for design and acquire essential technical skills including neatness, pattern Making, fabric selection, knowledge of color theory and textile design, etc. Our curriculum also includes specialized training in tie and dye techniques and other innovative design approaches. Notably, this department has successfully secured a contract from a school to produce their uniforms. Each year after their year-long free training, these young ladies are empowered with a sewing machine and tailoring accessories to start up entrepreneurship for themselves. Moreover, the young ladies trained in this department go home and actively engage in entrepreneurship and contribute to their community as they train others.

Equips young ladies with fundamental principles in computer science and technology. Through engaging in handson learning and practical training, they gain proficiency in computer operation, mobile phone operation, online advertisement, and other crucial skills. Each year after the their year long training, these young ladies are empowered with a Laptop computer. This department has become a source of inspiration for other departments within our organization, particularly in the realm of media and online advertisement.

Instills a love for the culinary arts and the hospitality industry in its students. Students learn essential culinary techniques, food preparation, menu planning, decoration, and customer service skills, emphasizing the importance of neatness and professionalism. With practical experience gained in a simulated professional environment, these young ladies are well-prepared for successful careers in the culinary and hospitality sectors. After this training, they are empowered with cooking pots, a filled gas cylinder and foot items. They not only enhance the dining experience for their own families but also undertake contracts to cook and cater for events, including traditional marriages in their communities.

Provides specialized training in hairdressing techniques and the art of creating and styling wigs. Students learn a wide range of skills, from basic to advanced hairstyling methods, color theory, wig design, and maintenance. As they progress in their training, these young ladies develop the competence necessary to pursue rewarding careers in the hairdressing and wig artistry industries. After their training, they are empowered with a wash head basin, a standing dryer, a hand dryer, a flattening machine, a curling machine, and rollers. Even during the training period, they display their talent by expertly weaving their mothers' hair and providing hair services to others.

Provides training in basic technical skills and artistic vision. They are equipped with the necessary tools to create compelling visual narratives. These young ladies dress professionally and document various events in their villages, guaranteeing tangible memories for their clients. After this yearlong free training, they are empowered with a camera and a photo printer to start up entrepreneurship. Their exceptional skills are in high demand, and they often receive payment for covering events. As a result, their sisters and peers are inspired and express a strong desire to join their ranks, eager to develop similar capabilities.

Fosters a deep appreciation for music and offers comprehensive training in instrumental performance. Students receive guidance from experienced instrumentalists, honing their skills in playing various musical instruments and specializing in playing music theory such as hymns and soft music. The students of this department are reserved in the academy as they form the Purple Brass. The Purple Brass performs in ceremonies and events and generates funds for the Academy. They are preserved with Incentives and they use these incentives to educate themselves and also establish micro businesses for themselves as most of them are vulnerable.

Trains and develops skills in cosmetics, beauty, and headgear artistry. This department nurtures creativity and expertise in cosmetics application, hairstyling, and headgear design. Additionally, our department offers in-depth training in hairstyling, covering cutting, styling, coloring, and creating intricate hairstyles for diverse hair types and textures. We also emphasize the art of headgear design, teaching students to create unique and culturally significant headpieces that complement different outfits and occasions. After this training, these young ladies are empowered with a full makeup kit to start entrepreneurship for themselves. Many of our young ladies return to their communities after training and establishing themselves, providing makeup services for events such as traditional marriages.

At our academy, we hold a business class for our students where they are trained on how to analyze a particular environment to identify a favorable business venture. After this training, they are empowered with funds to initiate their business ideas. Many use this and grow and expand their ventures. From this, they use this venture to further their studies and develop themselves. 

Through our diverse range of departments, we offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to skills development and discipline, ensuring that female youths have the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields and pursue fulfilling careers. Upon completion of their training, students are required to write an examination. Those who do not pass this examination are encouraged to repeat the class or choose another area of interest. 

To gain admission to our academy, these young ladies undergo an interview process. Their parents or guardians fill out guarantor forms, entrusting them to us for a period of year-long free training. After their year-long training, we invite their parents or guardians to witness the journey thus far. This program serves as an effective intervention for idle girls, grooming them and directing their focus toward education and skills development. Many of these young ladies lack basic primary education, and our program motivates them to pursue further education or return home with improved knowledge, skills, attitude, and discipline. They often train their mothers and become less dependent on their parents as they actively engage in entrepreneurship. It is not uncommon for parents to expect them to contribute to the 7 household, even returning with food. Recognizing that one year of training may not be adequate, we encourage our graduates to continue upgrading their skill sets. As distance may pose a hindrance for some purple girls, particularly those from Eastern Obolo, Onna, and other far-off places, we provide a free lodging hostel near the academy. This ensures that they can access the training without the burden of travel. 

One of our Challenges is a number of our female youths have expressed interest in acquiring additional skill sets that are currently not offered within our academy due to resource limitations. In light of this, we aspire to expand our academy to accommodate these specific skills, enabling us to cater to a wider range of interests and provide comprehensive training opportunities for this young ladies. 

At our academy, we celebrate the birthdays of these female youths on the last Sunday of every month. This special occasion provides an opportunity for those who have never been celebrated to discover their birthdays and experience the joy of recognition. Our Department of Culinary Arts and Hospitality (Catering) takes charge of providing cakes and food for these celebrations. Hence, we designate every last Sunday of the month, between 2PM to 6PM, as our Purple Happy Hour. 

We have a dedicated team of over 22 staff members, including teachers, instructors, and a secretary. Additionally, we have 50 purples girls who are trained in lawn maintenance. Furthermore, we have purple girls who excel in housekeeping on a Pay as You Go basis, also we have purple girls who Ushers at events, all serving as Purple Area managers.