Inspiring Youths, Transforming Communities
Join us in shaping a brighter future through community-driven initiatives and inspiring youth programmes.
Support the Initiative
Our mission is to transform lives, foster economic growth, and contribute to social stability through targeted skill development and community engagement.
Join the Programme
Whether you are interested in digital and technology skills or technical trades, our programmes are designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed.
About Learn to Earn
The Learn to Earn initiative is a collaborative community project by HIG Africa, designed to equip unemployed youth in Lagos with essential job skills. With two focused pathways—Digital & Technology Skills and Technical Skills—our programme aims to bridge the unemployment gap by empowering youth for self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Our mission is to transform lives, foster economic growth, and contribute to social stability through targeted skill development and community engagement.
The Rising Challenge
- Nigeria is experiencing a severe employment crisis, with 1.8 million new entrants into the labour force each year but only 1.1 million new jobs created. This leaves approximately 700,000 youth joining the ranks of the unemployed annually.
- In Lagos, the situation is particularly dire, with an unemployment rate estimated at 37.14%, translating to about 4 million unemployed youths. The constant influx of young people from across the country only intensifies the competition for scarce jobs.
- A significant number of these unemployed youths lack essential job-related skills, which exacerbates their frustration and increases the risk of social unrest. The high demand for skilled labor contrasts sharply with the limited opportunities available for unskilled youth.
- The coexistence of a wealthy commercial base with an increasingly restless unemployed population in Lagos highlights the urgency of addressing this widening poverty gap.
- HIG Africa is committed to tackling this challenge head-on through the Learn to Earn initiative. Our program equips unemployed youth with job-relevant skills that can be immediately applied for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
- The initiative focuses on both digital technology and technical skills, providing the tools needed to create opportunities, contribute to communities, and drive economic growth.
- Learn to Earn is not just a training program; it is a transformative experience designed to uplift both individuals and their communities. Through a collaborative community approach, we harness the resources of high-net-worth individuals and companies to support and upskill the marginalized urban poor.
- By bridging the skills gap and offering access to professional exams, trade tests, and national vocational certifications, we are paving the way for a more stable and prosperous society.
- We envision a Lagos where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. The Learn to Earn initiative is a pathway to economic and social mobility, aiming to foster a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
- The rising challenge we face presents an opportunity for lasting change. With your support, we can turn this challenge into a success story for thousands of young people in Lagos.
We envision a Lagos where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Wake Up IBILE initiative is a program launched by HIG Africa to empower the youth in the IBILE zones of Lagos (Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe) by providing them with essential 21st-century digital and technical skills. The initiative focuses on digital literacy, technical skill development, entrepreneurship, and community development to prepare youth for sustainable careers and entrepreneurial success.
The IBILE zones represent key areas in Lagos with rich cultural heritage and economic potential. However, many youths in these areas face challenges such as limited access to quality education and technical training. The Wake Up IBILE initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing targeted programs that help young people in these zones develop the skills they need to succeed.
The Wake Up IBILE initiative offers a variety of programs, including:
Digital Literacy Training: Courses range from basic computer skills to advanced topics such as digital marketing, coding, data analysis, and more.
Technical Skill Development: Hands-on training in fields like electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, and other in-demand technical trades.
Entrepreneurship Workshops: Guidance and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Community Development Projects: Initiatives that encourage participants to engage in local projects, fostering leadership and social responsibility.
The program is primarily targeted at youth aged 18 to 35 residing in the IBILE zones of Lagos. However, it is open to any young individual in Lagos who is eager to learn, develop new skills, and improve their economic prospects.
Interested participants can apply through the HIG Africa website at www.higafrica.com. Application forms will also be available at our partner locations across the IBILE zones. Detailed instructions on the application process, including any required documentation, are provided on the website.
The Wake Up IBILE initiative aims to make training accessible to all youth, regardless of their financial situation. Some programs may be offered at no cost, while others might require a nominal fee. Scholarships and financial aid options may be available for eligible participants.
Program durations vary depending on the course or training module. Digital literacy and technical skills courses can range from a few weeks to several months, while entrepreneurship workshops and community development projects may have different timelines. Specific details for each program will be provided upon enrollment.
We measure the impact of the initiative through various metrics, including the number of participants who successfully complete the programs, gain employment, start their businesses, or engage in community projects. We also collect feedback from participants and partners to continually improve our offerings.
We welcome support from individuals, corporations, and organizations who share our vision. You can partner with us by providing financial contributions, offering mentorship, sponsoring events, or participating in our community projects. For more details, please visit our website or contact us directly at +234(0)7047000549.
Transparency is one of our core values. We provide regular updates and detailed reports on the allocation and use of funds. Donors and partners receive comprehensive insights into the progress and impact of their contributions. We are committed to accountability and the responsible management of all resources.
Participants can expect to gain valuable skills that are in high demand, access new career opportunities, receive mentorship to start or grow their businesses, and make a positive impact in their communities. Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools they need to achieve long-term success.
You can stay updated by following us on social media, subscribing to our newsletter via our website, and regularly visiting the HIG Africa website for the latest news, success stories, and upcoming events related to the Wake Up IBILE initiative.