The Healing Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has trained and empowered widows to identify hidden skills and talents, urging them to use the acquired capacities to attain financial independence.
The President and Founder of the Foundation, Mrs Sophy Mbanisi, disclosed this at a programme titled “Widows Mega Feast: God of Abundance”, organized by the foundation on Monday in Lagos to celebrate widows.
Mbanisi expressed concern over situations where widows resort to begging or are constantly dependent on assistance, rather than being financially self-reliant and able to cater for themselves and their families.
She explained that, in a bid to promote financial empowerment, the foundation trained no fewer than 30 widows in skill acquisition, including confectionery and fashion design, with particular focus on fascinator hat making.
She urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training to develop their skills, generate income and support their families.
According to her, the initiative is designed to help widows discover latent talents and skills that can be used to start new ventures or expand existing businesses, thereby boosting their earnings.
“It is deeply concerning to see widows wearing sympathetic faces, begging or searching for places where items are being shared.
“Being a widow does not mean you should always be at the receiving end. You must build and sustain a source of income.
“This training has created a platform for widows to generate income and become financially independent,” Mbanisi said.
Speaking on the foundation’s Christmas empowerment programme, she said it was an annual initiative aimed at impacting the lives of widows and their children through the distribution of food items and gifts for the festive season.
“The objective is to celebrate widows, give them a sense of belonging and put smiles on their faces.
“Every year-end, we bring widows together to celebrate with them,” she said.
Mbanisi added that, beyond the distribution of food items, fabrics and other gifts, 10 out of the 30 widows who participated in the training were empowered with N50,000 each.
Also speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Mrs Chinwe Ebubechukwu, a pastor, encouraged the widows to remain consistent and committed in all their endeavours.
Ebubechukwu, who is also a widow, advised them to put their trust in God and avoid projecting self-pity.
“All you need to do is to be honest and trust in God, who will direct your steps. I am a living witness to the goodness of God,” she said.
The programme also featured the presentation of awards to some members and zones of the foundation in recognition of their commitment and outstanding service.
