-Youth Empowerment Program · Skills, Enterprise and Leadership-

Youth Empowerment Program

A free, hands-on program equipping Nigerian youth aged 16 to 30 with practical job skills, business know-how and leadership confidence to build a livelihood and lead in their communities.
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— About This Program

About the Program

The Youth Empowerment Program is the Paul Ncharam Foundation’s flagship pathway for young Nigerians who are ready to learn a trade, start an enterprise or grow as community leaders. Over a structured cohort, participants receive vocational and digital skills training, one-on-one career and business guidance, and mentorship from working professionals. The program is offered at no cost to selected applicants and combines classroom learning with practical, real-world projects.

Free Skills Training

Hands-on vocational and digital skills instruction at no cost, delivered by experienced trainers.

Mentorship and Guidance

Personal career counselling and business coaching from professionals and successful entrepreneurs.

Start-Up Support

Selected graduates receive starter toolkits or seed grants to launch their own enterprise.

— Training Tracks

What the Program Covers

Explore what this program offers and find the option that best fits your needs.

Vocational Skills Training

Practical instruction in trades such as fashion and tailoring, catering, ICT and computer skills, solar and electrical installation, and beauty and cosmetology.

Entrepreneurship and Business

Business planning, record keeping, pricing and basic financial literacy to help youth turn a skill into a sustainable income.

Leadership and Life Skills

Communication, teamwork, civic responsibility and personal development to prepare young people to lead in their communities.

Career and Vocational Guidance

One-on-one counselling to help each participant choose the right path, prepare for work and connect to job or apprenticeship opportunities.

Mentorship and Networking

Pairing with mentors and access to a peer network of fellow young entrepreneurs and professionals.

Start-Up Grants and Toolkits

Top-performing graduates may qualify for seed funding or trade starter kits to set up their own small business.

— Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for this program.

Eligibility Requirements

Nigerian citizen or legal resident aged between 16 and 30 years at the time of application Currently unemployed, out of school, or seeking to learn a vocational or entrepreneurial skill Genuine commitment to complete the full training cohort and attend regularly Resident in Nigeria and able to attend sessions at the designated training centre Applicants under 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian Priority given to youth from low-income households, including young women and persons with disabilities
Application Window

Rolling Intake

Rolling intake — applications accepted year-round, with selection into the next available cohort

Applications are reviewed in the order received, and early, complete applications are prioritised.

— Before You Begin

Documents Required

Gather these documents before applying. You’ll upload them directly in the form below.

  • Completed program application form

  • Valid means of identification (National ID/NIN slip, voter's card, or international passport)

  • Recent passport-sized photograph

  • Proof of age (birth certificate or age declaration)

  • Proof of residence or local government identification letter

  • Parent or guardian consent letter for applicants under 18 years