Some beneficiaries of skills acquisition programmes embarked upon by the Bonny Helping Hand Foundation have applauded the organization for adding value to their lives and empowering them.

The five female beneficiaries, who are part of the programme which included hair dressing, fashion designing, and braiding, amongst others, spoke to Kristina Reports.

One of them, Esther Joseph said participating in the programme has changed her life, informing that after her secondary she was home doing nothing when the opportunity came to her, adding that she has learnt braiding, polishing and other skills.

“They have helped me a lot because before I was at home doing nothing but now I can do something. In terms of braiding, I can braid, in terms of polishing I can polish.

“I’m very grateful to the one that sent us to this skills acquisition training.”

Another beneficiary, Awaji-Imam Sunday said the skills she has started to acquire will keep her busy and also help her generate funds as well as make her self-reliant.

“It has helped me a lot because immediately I finished school I was at sleeping all through but I’ve gotten something to keep myself busy.”

“I now have hope that if I further my education I have something to hold on to; I don’t have to rely on my mum to take care of my needs I will be busy.”

“This skill is also something I will not forget. So it will be with wherever I go.”

Sister to the proprietor of Exotic Stitches, Mary Wilcox noted that the programme by the Bonny Helping Hand Foundation, saying she and her sister are grateful to the founder and Executive Director of the organization, Samuel Jumbo for the gesture, adding that it has impacted her sister’s business.

“There is a way things are this period but financially he has really impacted the business. Five students are being sponsored by Bonny Helping Hand Foundation for one year.

“Bonny Helping Hand Foundation has really impacted the business and I am grateful. On behalf of my sister, she is very grateful. We say thank you to Bonny Helping Hand Foundation.”

On her part, Chief Executive Officer of Exotic Stitches, Ibinabo Josiah stated that Bonny Helping Hand Foundation has been helpful to her business and its sponsored beneficiaries, stressing that the programme will improve the lives of the students.

“Bonny Helping Hand Foundation has been very helpful. As you can see they brought in some students, fully paid; they have done really, really well.”

“The people they have brought in, the students to improve their lives and we’re really grateful.”

In an interview with Kristina Reports, Executive Director of Bonny Helping Hand Foundation, Samuel Jumbo said the gesture was borne out of love for adding value to lives, noting that such programmes are outcomes of needs assessment done by his organization.

He asserted that his organization would continue to seek partnerships and collaborations to drive its people-oriented programmes, calling on institutions, companies, philanthropists, and other well-meaning individuals to partner with it to impact lives.