Vivian Ejikeme discovered her path to personal and professional growth through the WAVE training in partnership with TEENSMATA. Before joining the training program, Vivian sought to acquire new skills and stay engaged while unemployed. She was drawn to the training as it promised an interactive learning environment, and it certainly exceeded her expectations.
"The training was super interactive, and the facilitators were amazing. They kept us engaged, allowed us to ask questions, and were patient in answering. It was exactly what I needed," shares Vivian.
One of the significant hurdles Vivian faced before the training was her struggle with effective communication. "Before the training, I typically kept to myself. However, the group activities pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me build confidence in relating with others," she reveals.
A key element that stood out for Vivian was the emphasis on teamwork. Through collaborative problem-solving activities, she discovered the importance of working in a team. "Working with others to solve a problem made me feel like a part of a team. It was a game-changer," she says.
The training also equipped Vivian with valuable insights into giving and receiving feedback. "Learning how to provide constructive feedback was eye-opening. Now, I understand how my words can be useful to others," she adds.
Now that Vivian has completed the training, she is on a mission to pay it forward. "I intend to teach others what I have learned. Gathering young people to share these skills creates a ripple effect," she says with enthusiasm.
She also secured a job offer from the place where she did her job shadow (internship). "I am excited to continue growing on the job. The training prepared me well, and I am ready for the challenges ahead," Vivian affirms.
Her story highlights the direct link between soft skills development, youth employment, and career advancement.