Empowering Youth Through Skill Acquisition: Gezdon Stitches’ Graduation Ceremony Highlights the Importance of Vocational Training
In a heartwarming ceremony held in Ubakala, a suburb of Umuahia, Abia State, six young women celebrated their graduation from Gezdon Stitches, a fashion design outfit committed to empowering youth through skill acquisition. Engineer Adeyi Gordon, the director of Gezdon Stitches and a driving force behind this initiative, emphasized the critical role of vocational training in preparing young people for a fulfilling future. He passionately advocated for parents to prioritize skill development alongside formal education, ensuring that their children possess a practical foundation before embarking on university studies. Gordon highlighted the transformative power of skills, enabling young individuals to become self-reliant, contribute financially to their education, and steer clear of negative influences that can lead to criminal activities.
Gezdon Stitches operates under the umbrella of Dezdon Enterprises, an organization dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. Their core mission revolves around providing young people with opportunities to engage in meaningful activities, fostering a sense of purpose and productivity. Gordon’s wife, Mrs. Ezinne Adeyi Gordon, serves as the CEO of Gezdon Stitches, bringing her own academic background in Industrial Microbiology to the forefront of their endeavor. Her vision for the graduates extends beyond their newly acquired skills; she envisions them pursuing higher education, combining their practical expertise with academic knowledge to achieve maximum potential. The graduation ceremony was a testament to this vision, as two of the graduates were already university graduates, two were undergraduates, and another had recently gained admission to study Civil Engineering, demonstrating the seamless integration of skills training and academic pursuits.
Mrs. Gordon expressed the organization’s unwavering commitment to nurturing aspiring fashion designers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the competitive fashion industry. The six graduates, who represent the seventh graduating class of Gezdon Stitches, underwent rigorous training in various aspects of fashion design, encompassing wedding gowns, traditional attire, bags, and hats. She stressed the importance of acquiring skills, especially in light of the challenging job market, urging young girls to proactively seek vocational training after completing secondary school. Gezdon Stitches offers a comprehensive two-year training program, catering to both young individuals and older learners who share a passion for fashion and design.
The graduation ceremony was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the transformative power of skill acquisition. Miss Ifeanyi and Miss Ezinne, two of the graduating students, expressed their determination to build upon their newly acquired skills and establish thriving careers in the fashion industry. Their commitment echoed the sentiments of their mentors, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, who emphasized the enduring value of skills in navigating the complexities of life. The event served as an inspiring example of how vocational training can empower individuals, uplift communities, and contribute to a brighter future for all.
Gezdon Stitches stands as a beacon of hope in the Abia State community, demonstrating the positive impact that a focused and dedicated organization can have on the lives of young people. By equipping individuals with valuable skills, they not only promote self-reliance and economic empowerment but also instill a sense of purpose and contribute to the overall development of society. The ripple effect of their work is evident in the lives of the graduates, who are now poised to pursue their dreams with confidence and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The success of Gezdon Stitches highlights the importance of investing in vocational training and skill development programs, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. By providing young people with practical skills, these initiatives not only address the immediate need for employment but also foster long-term economic growth and social stability. The graduation ceremony served as a powerful reminder that education in its broadest sense encompasses both academic pursuits and vocational training, and that a balanced approach to learning is essential for individual and societal progress.
The story of Gezdon Stitches underscores the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing societal challenges and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The ripple effect of their work extends beyond the immediate graduates, inspiring others to pursue vocational training and contribute to the economic and social development of their communities. As the graduates embark on their new journeys, they carry with them not only the skills they have acquired but also the values of hard work, dedication, and the belief in their own ability to create a better future for themselves and their communities. The graduation ceremony was a celebration of their achievements and a testament to the transformative power of education and skill development.
