Building Communities: Sustaining Relationships
Our mission at The Leader Team is to build communities by empowering leaders and creating jobs. We do this through our mentorship, trainings and collaborations. As part of our culture, we love to stay in touch and continue mentoring those who graduate from our program. Our first mentorship program began in 2022, all together, we have had the opportunity to mentor over sixty businesses owners.
During our follow up visits, we are glad to discover that our mentees have continued to record amazing successes in their business, and are still practicing the principles taught during the program. As with every entrepreneur, they face heavy challenges with the economy, electricity, marketplace competition, and personal hurdles. However, they continue to persevere and remain committed to their core values.
Before joining the program, Deborah, fashion designer and 2022 graduate, ran her business alone. Since then she has grown her business and now employs two additional staff and has joined our staff as a Team Lead for the future generations of the mentorship program.
Deborah (2022 graduate) hugging Shiloh, Executive Director, during her visit to Nigeria along side William, Country Advisor (right), and one of Chris, Board Chair (left).
Chigbo (below left), also a fashion designer, graduated in 2023. He now employs two staff, three apprentices, and has added the sale of fabrics to his business. He shared with us that his five year goal is to have more trained and capable staff working with him while he focusses on other bigger aspects of the business. Chigbo has no formal education and is unable to read or write, but he has built a profitable business which for the past 27 years, has enabled him to provide for his family and create jobs for people in the community. During his time as a mentee, Chigbo showed dedication and commitment to his business and values.
Left to right : Chigbo (2023 graduate) Blessing, Program Manager, and David, Program Engagement Coordinator
Joshua (below left), a shoemaker is doing amazing working from home. His biggest challenge is getting a shop where he can work comfortably. He has two apprentices in his business and is looking to increase his manpower. Joshua was the youngest mentee last year (at age 21) and has shown great leadership and talent.
Joshua, a shoe maker and a 2023 graduate of our program
Abigail (below right) 2023 graduate, is currently trying to employ a reliable staff. Her goal is to grow her staff by two people within the next three months.
Fashion designer, Abigail and a 2023 graduate of our program
Charity (not pictured), a 2022 graduate and a makeup artist, has showed so much courage and resilience in running her business. Despite challenges of finding a suitable and comfortable space she has continued to push forward, rendering home services and even organising free trainings for the community.
It was a great joy indeed to know that our mentees are doing well and pushing their businesses despite the harsh economic climate affecting businesses in Nigeria. We believe that continued mentorship and support will go a long way to helping these incredible business owners take steps toward sustainability and contribute in the fight against unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.
To our partners who continue to support us, we are very grateful for your generosity that continues to change the lives to thousands in Nigeria. If you would like to donate to support our work, kindly CLICK HERE.
