The Challenge
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, academic knowledge alone is no longer enough to prepare students for life after secondary school. Many Nigerian students face challenges such as limited exposure to essential soft skills, unclear career paths, and a lack of mentorship to guide their personal and professional development. There was a pressing need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world readiness.
Our Approach
To address this need, we launched a comprehensive 6-month Soft Skills Training and Career Mentorship Program tailored specifically for the senior secondary students of Idia College. Our strategy was built around three core pillars:
- Interactive Soft Skills Workshops
Students participated in weekly sessions covering communication, adaptability & flexibility, collaboration & teamwork, emotional intelligence, time management & organisation, leadership & influence, critical thinking & problem-solving, creativity & innovation, resilience & stress management, cultural intelligence & inclusion, goal setting, and digital literacy (as a soft skill). These sessions were designed to be hands-on, engaging, and relevant to students’ everyday lives. - One-on-One Career Mentorship
Each student was matched with a mentor – professionals from diverse industries who offered guidance, career insights, and personal encouragement. Through regular check-ins and goal-setting discussions, mentors helped students explore their interests and develop clear visions for their futures. - Real-Life Application & Reflection
Students engaged in group projects, role plays, and reflective exercises to reinforce what they learned. These activities encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and personal growth.
The Outcome
The program concluded with remarkable success and measurable impact:
- Increased Confidence: Students reported improved communication skills and greater self-belief when speaking publicly or expressing their opinions.
- Clearer Career Paths: Many participants identified specific career interests and created actionable plans for achieving their goals.
- Stronger Life Skills: Teachers and mentors observed enhanced emotional awareness, better time management, and improved classroom engagement.
- Positive Feedback: Students expressed excitement and gratitude for the experience, describing it as “eye-opening,” “life-changing,” and “just what we needed.”
“This program helped me see my strengths and think seriously about my future. Now I know I want to become an investment banker and I have a plan.” – Isoken, Senior Secondary 2 Student
We are proud of what the students of Idia College, Benin City have accomplished in just six months. Their growth is a testament to the power of intentional mentorship and skills training. As we look to the future, we aim to replicate and expand this model to reach more secondary school students across Nigeria.
Together, we’re not just teaching skills – we’re building futures.
