A sub-department of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Women Empowerment Programme Synergy Scheme (WEPSS) has brought together over 700 women from its target communities to empower them with skills in fashion design and tailoring.
WEPSS is a corporate social responsibility initiative of INTELS established in 2013, with the vision of transforming the lives of various women from 5,000 communities over a 20-year period through training in fashion design and tailoring.
In pursuit of the fulfilment of the vision, the company has built a 5000-square metres garment manufacturing factory and also acquired over 300 sewing machines at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne, Rivers State.
Speaking about the training, Mr. Abhina Ajmani, the Head of WEPSS, said, “This is our fifth session. The training is to be held once every six months. Most of the applicants are persons who just have their WASSCE qualification. Out of the 700 women that applied, we admitted 125. It was really competitive because the slots are limited.”
“This training is free and lasts for four months per set. Everything has been done to ensure the beneficiaries give their full commitment to acquiring skills that will empower them for life,” he added.
Ms. Dorothy Egbe, a 2016 beneficiary and graduate of WEPSS, said, “WEPSS has been of great help to me because I was able to learn new skills and acquire an industrial sewing machine at no cost. I am sewing clothes for myself, my family and friends at the moment. I am still in school in my final year now. After I am done with my studies, I plan to start sewing full time, on a commercial scale. I am equally improving on what I was taught, learning how to make designs. I intend to direct my focus on sewing women and children’s clothes.”
Since its inception, WEPSS has succeeded in empowering over 500 women through the project and according to the Director of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Silvano Bellinato, the company is not reluctant in continuity of the programme rather it is passionate about doing more to enhancing the lives of people in its area of operation, and committed to the development of communities in the area.
