MICROSOFT EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME

PREAMBLE

It is a general phenomenon within this part of the world that there is a wide gap between what was being learnt and what is expected of 'fresh' graduates by prospective employers. Bridging this gap is the platform through which Microsoft Employability Programme (MEP) tries to achieve. It is funded by Microsoft and the United States Government with the supports of International Youth Foundation and LEAP Africa.

Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa is a non-profit organization that deals with leadership programmes for business owners, social entrepreneurs and youth. The organization, based in Lagos State of Nigeria, has organized such programmes in Lagos, Aba, Abuja, Bauchi, Kano, Calabar, etc. This year's programme was held at Ultrafit Hotel, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. LEAP Africa serves as an instrument through which the intended objectives of MEP are being impacted on the targeted audiences, such as graduates, undergraduates, holders of certificates from any Nigerian institutions or certificate issuing colleges.

According to the training manual, the objectives of MEP are to:
(i) Prepare youth for the work place by equipping them with life and employability skills;
(ii) Provide youth with crucial work based experiences with a youth-development approach;
(iii) Provide youth with an employment experience that puts them in touch with real life labour expectations.

These objectives were packed into five modules and each module was loaded with inspiring, empowering and equipping tips on sustainable job placements. These messages were delivered from 8th - 12th of June, 2009. The facilitators whom are staff of LEAP Africa were Mr. Oje Olaolu Ivagba (Programme Coordinator) and Mr. Olaolu Matty (Assistant Programme Coordinator).


DAY ONE

At the commencement of the day, a baseline survey was given to each one of the participants to fill-in accordingly. The survey was divided into four sections. Section A: Demographic information; Section B: Educational & employment information; Section C: Skills information; and Section D: Contact details of next of kin. Thereafter, the programme kicked off and Schedule of Activities for the day was followed to the later. Topics discussed include:
1) Welcome and Introduction.
2) Labour Trends
3) Factors affecting Work-place Potentials
4) Identifying and Assessing Work-place Potentials
5) Holland's Career Assessment
6) Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter
7) Review of Day One and Homework.


DAY 2

The sessions started at around 7:32a.m and the following
topics were covered:
1. Review of Day One and Homework.
2. Self Awareness (Giving and Receiving Feedback)
3. Personal Grooming & Etiquettes
4. Moral Ethics
5. Review of Day Two and Homework.

The session ended around 5:00p.m. The homework question was: Write out clearly the things you want to accomplish in your career in the next ten (10)
years.


DAY 3

As usual, the sessions started at 7:30a.m and the
following topics were looked into:
1. Review of Day Two and Homework
2. Building Self-Confidence and a positive Self Image
3. Mission and Vision Statement
4. Goal Setting
5. Understanding and Managing Strong Emotions
6. Managing Conflicts
7. Review of Day Three and Homework.

The sessions ended at 5:05p.m. The homework question was: How do you spend your time on a typical day? Make a list of the activities that take up your time and the number of hours that you spend on the activities.


DAY 4

The sessions started at 7:30a.m and the following topics were looked into:
1. Review of Day Three and Homework
2. Stress Management
3. Time Management I
4. Time Management II
5. Negotiations
6. Team Work
7. Broken Squares
8. Review of Day Four and Homework.

The session ended at 5:45p.m. The homework question was: Draft a typical cover letter
to an organization applying for a job. Likewise, make an ideal CV and attach to it.


DAY 5

The sessions started at 7:35a.m and the following topics were discussed:
1. Review of Day Four and Homework
2. Communications I
3. Communications II
4. Creativity
5. Networking
6. Review of final recap.

The sessions ended at 4:40p.m .Thereafter, we went for group photographs outside the hall.


REMARKS

Right before attending the just concluded Employability Programme, I was not un-aware of my potentials and passions to positively impact my generation. To be sincere, the 5-day programme has inspired, empowered and equipped me more than before. All sessions were of great importance to me because they all added values to my being. They were practically demonstrated either by case studies or grouping. They taught individual reflections, larger plenary debates and consensus building. The in-session activities included small group divisions and discussions with the aims of learning problem solving techniques, teamwork playing and resourcefulness. My mental consciousness is now fully awakened and my motto: 'YES, I CAN DO IT' has been engraved on my heart. By June 30, 2009, I will have re-written my SMART GOALS towards becoming a vanguard of change.

My immeasurable appreciations to my facilitators for your mentorship and motivational speeches, a million thanks to LEAP Africa for providing an enabling platform and my regards to Microsoft, US Government & IYF for their continuous supports towards taking the trainings to the grassroots.

Thanks and God bless.