On the 9th and 10th of August, 2019, we hosted UPGRADE 2019, our first UPGRADE program, at Patron Hotel. Over 250 of our past beneficiaries from 2014 till date attended.
Why we started UPGRADE
Sought-Out Cities Arts, Skills, and Empowerment Initiative provides resources for human capacity development and nation building. Since we began in 2014, we have delivered vocational skill training to over 800 youths and women.
These trainings have been our major project activity, and they have been immensely impactful. In fact, many beneficiaries have begun their pursuits in their different skill areas. Some have used their training to reach higher opportunities in the job market. Others have started a trade or expanded their ongoing businesses.
However, a wide gap remains between learning these skills and monetizing them. We found that the main cause is a lack of access to financial support to start up or scale up. With this in mind, we decided to strengthen the lasting impact of our trainings. So we introduced a new phase of our program called UPGRADE.
What UPGRADE 2019 offered
UPGRADE is an in-reach business and inspire program for our beneficiaries. It gives them a chance to re-bond, celebrate achievements and look back at their journeys so far. Together, we tackle the challenges that may have held back their careers or businesses. We also answer their questions and offer counselling and insight. Ultimately, we give financial grants and support to some of them to start up or scale up.
UPGRADE 2019 was an amazing program, full of testimonials from our beneficiaries.
First City Monument Bank proudly sponsored the program. Thanks to this support, some beneficiaries in attendance received grants for their businesses.
Learn more about the UPGRADE project, see UPGRADE photos in our gallery, or support the next UPGRADE.
