TechRise Women Initiative
A PATIENCE UMO ENO GOLDEN INITIATIVE FOR ALL (GIFA) PROGRAMME
Your skills. Your future. Fully funded.
TechRise Women Initiative trains 250 women across Akwa Ibom State in animation, entrepreneurship, and executive assistance — completely free, with mentorship, certification, and a community built to last beyond the classroom.
Programme at a Glance
trained
250 Women (Cohort 1)
Skills
3 Career Pathways
TUITION FEE
₦0 Cost (fully funded)
What TWI Is
Cohort 1 will train 250 women across three career pathways: animation, entrepreneurship, and executive assistance. Every participant receives expert-led training, mentorship from industry professionals, and a certificate that means something in the real world.
This is not a one-off workshop. It is a structured, six-month journey — from your first class to your graduation day — designed to leave you with skills you can use immediately, in a job, a freelance career, or a business of your own.
Who Can Apply?
- Be a woman resident in Akwa Ibom State
- Be a available during the training period
- Have access to a smartphone (a laptop, preferably) and a reliable means of communication
- Be willing to participate actively in classes and assignments
- Be committed to completing your chosen pathway
Choose Your Path
CREATIVE & TECHNICAL
Animate Africa
YOU WILL LEARN:
Business & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
SDC Startup School
YOU WILL LEARN:
PROFESSIONAL & remote-ready
ES Programme
YOU WILL LEARN:
How TWI Works
1
APPLY
2
GET SCREENED
3
TRAIN
4
GET MENTORED
5
GRADUATE
What Happens After Training?
Training is only the beginning. Following the training phase, top-performing participants from each pathway will be selected for an additional mentorship experience with industry professionals.
Mentors will help participants:
- Refine career goals
- Strengthen portfolios and projects
- Explore employment opportunities
- Navigate freelance or entrepreneurial pathways
- Build professional confidence and networks
The programme culminates in a graduation ceremony celebrating participants' achievements and recognising outstanding performers.
Why Women Choose TWI
1. It Costs You Nothing
No tuition. No hidden fees. TWI is fully funded, so cost is never the reason you don't pursue this opportunity.
2. Real Mentorship, Not Just Classes
Top performers are matched with experienced professionals who help them plan what comes next.
3. A Credential That Means Something
Every graduate leaves with a certificate from an established training partner.
4. A Community, Not Just a Cohort
You'll train alongside 249 other women, building skills, confidence, and connections.
5. Skills You Can Use Immediately
Whether your goal is employment, freelancing, remote work, or entrepreneurship, you'll leave with practical knowledge you can put into action.
No prior professional experience is required.
Whether you’re a student, graduate, entrepreneur, stay-at-home mother, career switcher, or currently unemployed, you’re welcome to apply.
What We Expect From Participants
TWI is fully funded, but every spot matters. Participants selected into the programme are expected to:
- Attendance: Participate in 95% of all scheduled sessions.
- Communication: Proactively engage with the TWI administration.
- Completion: Submit all projects and assignments on time.
- Contribution: Give back to the community after graduation.
- Respect: Maintain professional conduct with peers and mentors.
- Our goal is not simply to enrol participants. Our goal is to help women complete the journey and leave with skills they can use immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is TWI really free?
Yes. There is no cost to apply or participate. TWI is fully funded by GIFA, with support from MHCI and AfriLabs.
Q: Do I need previous experience?
A: No. All three pathways are beginner-friendly and designed for participants who are willing to learn.
Q: Do I need a laptop to apply?
A: It depends on the track. Entrepreneurship can be completed using a smartphone or computer. Executive Assistance is delivered in person. Animation participants who wish to learn virtually need a qualifying laptop, while those without one can join the physical animation option.
Q: How many hours per week should I expect to spend learning?
A: Entrepreneurship participants should expect 4–6 hours weekly. Animation and Executive Assistance participants may spend 8–12 hours weekly including assignments and project work.
Q: How long does the programme last?
A: The full cycle runs six months — including training, mentorship activities, and graduation.
Q: What do I get at the end?
A: A certificate from your training partner, practical skills, projects or portfolio pieces where applicable, and access to a wider professional network.
Q: Will I get a job after completing TWI?
A: TWI is a training and mentorship programme rather than a job placement programme. However, graduates leave with skills, certificates, and practical experience that can support future employment, freelance work, or entrepreneurship.
Q: Can I apply to more than one track?
A: No. We ask applicants to choose the one pathway that best matches their goals.
Q: Can I switch pathways after acceptance?
A: Pathway changes may not be possible once admissions have been finalised. Choose carefully before applying.
Q: What happens if I miss classes?
A: Consistent participation is expected. Repeated absence may affect your ability to complete the programme and receive certification.
Q: Where do in-person sessions take place?
A: At our partner training facility in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Full details will be shared with accepted applicants.
Q: When does training begin?
A: Training is expected to begin after admissions and onboarding are completed. Accepted participants will receive detailed schedules before classes start.
Q: How do I know if I've been accepted?
A: All applicants will be contacted using the email address or phone number provided in their application.
Your next chapter starts with one form.
Join 249 other visionary women in Akwa Ibom State. Applications are currently open for the current cohort.