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Last Updated on January 19, 2024

Batch 5 of our IT Training Program is currently ongoing.  Batch 6 of our Cosmetology Training Program Starts in February, 2024.

In November, 2021, AKISAN USA added vocational training programs to her list of projects implemented in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Prior to this, our projects were in the areas of medical missions and scholarships. With vocational training, we took the approach of “teaching people how to fish”, as opposed to giving people fish. Today, AKISAN USA is offering training in Information Technology, Agribusiness, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, and eventually, Fashion Design. What makes the vocational training programs unique is how they are financed.

We adopted the model of sourcing for funding from private donors.  This approach gained favorability as those who donate are directly involved in who is chosen to get the training.  What’s more? Donors get a tax deduction by donating  the money to the organization. They also benefit from the discounted rates that apply by paying for the program through AKISAN USA.

As more students respond to our requests for information, we will be updating this page with who they are and what they are doing.  We thank every donor and partner who has contributed to the success of our vocational training programs. 

The Results So Far (Based on Students who have Provided Feedback)…

  • Information Technology (Trainer: Start Innovation Hub, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State) 
    • Number of graduating students overall – 52 persons have graduated
    • Number of women overall – 12 women from previous batches
    • What some of the graduates are doing now:
      • Nsisong Akpan: He is currently working as a lead frontend developer with a startup in Abuja VANK.  They’re into real estate
        He’s also on a team of frontend developers for “Blockmay ICT SOLUTIONS LTD” a tech company in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
      • Usen Macurlay: He’s currently handling two projects As a Mobile Apps Developer for Netvalue Pay, a company based in Congo
        and Hospyta Mobile a company based in Lagos, Nigeria.
      • Douglas Priest: Backend Developer role in Payxant Microfinance Company Ikeja, Lagos State
      • Stephen Ufort: Frontend Engineer – OneWattSolar Ltd., Frontend Engineer – SmilePay Africa, Frontend Developer – Blockmay Ltd.
      • Kufre-Abasi Bassey – currently working as a front-end web developer at Tribinnov Africa.
      • Andima Solomon Udoh: Net Value (Congo) – Mobile Developer, Hospyta Mobile – Mobile Developer, Payxant Fintech – Mobile Developer
      • Enobong Enoh: Works as a Frontend Developer with a tech company

 

  • Cosmetology (Trainer: La’Mags Collectionz, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
    • Number of Graduating Batches: 6
    • Number of Graduates: 60
    • Number of Women Graduates: 51
    • Where some Students are now:
      • Blessing Edinam and Nsima Monday are working with our trainer, to deliver orders for our partner, Mr. Idowu Etefia of RA Cosmetics in Atlanta, Georgia, US, now totaling about 10,000 bars of natural soap per order. The bars of soap end up being exported to the United States for sale in beauty supply stores and in Walmart stores across the country.
      • Christiana Edet is currently self-employed, producing her own line of soap and other household cleaning products
      • Arit Udonsuk, Treasure Aquaisua, Edidiong Udo and Mkpoikanke Obot are producing, marketing and also use their products at home
      • Samuel Bassey is also producing car wash products at home and supplying to area stores
      • Edwin Offiong is producing and marketing after shave lotion
      • Each graduating student sponsored via AKISAN USA gets a graduation gift of N25,000, courtesy of RA Cosmetics.  12 students have received this stipend to date
      • The top 2 graduating students from all batches will also gain employment with our trainer
      • On Saturday, September 17, 2022, 10 students graduated from the program, representing batch 2 and batch 3 students.  Here are some of the testimonials from students, as well as the graduation video: Testimonial 1, Testimonial 2, Testimonial 3, 2022 Graduation Ceremony Video and 2023 Graduation Ceremony Video.
      • Batch 6 students will be graduating in June, 2024

 

  • Culinary Arts (Trainer: Uyai College of Culinary Arts, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
    • Number of Graduates: 1
    • What the Graduate is doing now:
      • Nsima Columbus Emmanson‘s training was cut short as a result of COVID-19.  Once the pandemic subsided, she resumed her training and is currently a chef at a hotel in Lagos, Nigeria

 

  • Agribusiness (Trainer: Jacaja Integrated Farms, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
    • Number of Graduates: 13
      • What some Students are doing now:
        • At least 5 of the students are applying their skills on a farm in Akpabuyo, Cross-River State, Nigeria.  This farm is owned and operated by Brotherhood of the Cross & Star, USA
        • 1 student has asked to continue farming with our trainer.  To that effect, he has been assigned a parcel of land on the property so he can continue learning his trade
        • A few students are working on operating their own farms.  AKISAN USA will follow up with them in 2023 to know how far they’ve gone

Batch 5 of our IT Training Program is currently ongoing.  Batch 6 of our Cosmetology Training Program Starts in February, 2024

Itoro Akpan-Iqout

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