"WAVE gave me a platform that traditional schools could not give me", Alumnus Andrew Ayim

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From a young boy who left his village in search of a brighter future, Andrew Ayim’s life took a challenging turn when the business he worked for closed down in 2014. However, WAVE became the beacon of hope that changed the trajectory of his life.

Before WAVE, Andrew was navigating life in the city of Lagos, facing financial hardships after the closure of the business where he had been employed. Struggling to make ends meet, he heard about WAVE from a friend and neighbor. The prospect of the training felt like a lifeline, and Andrew was determined to seize the opportunity.

"My friend and neighbor told me about WAVE, and how they train young people, and it felt amazing to hear that and it felt like it was an angel who sent him to me. And I was determined to go to WAVE."

With no means to cover his transportation cost, Andrew trekked from CMS Grammar School to the WAVE training center in Yaba. The excitement of witnessing a different form of education, filled him with hope. 

"When I got there I was excited to see how things were done and these are things you would not see within the four walls of school because I never got this kind of training in school but WAVE gave me a platform that was welcoming for me."

After the WAVE training, Andrew embarked on a job shadow experience, gaining insights into different departments. This hands-on experience paved the way for a job interview where, initially applying for a Kitchen Assistant role, he impressed the employer who saw his potential for more and employed him as a Waiter.

Among the numerous skills Andrew acquired at WAVE, time management stood out as one of the most crucial. Recognizing its importance, he applied this skill in his current role as a Waiter and Shift Leader, acknowledging its significance in thriving in the workplace.

"One of the most important skills I learned was time management because if you don’t manage your time everything would fall apart. Where I work now, it is such an important skill to thrive."

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Beyond the professional realm, WAVE's impact extended to Andrew's personal life. He got married and became a proud father of two children. The training not only equipped him for career success but also empowered him to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband and father.

"It has impacted me in so many ways because if I don’t know WAVE I don’t know how life would have turned out. What I saw before was difficult and now I can feed my family and pay my bills."

Andrew Ayim's journey is a example of how employability skills training can be a transformative force in the lives of individuals, offering them not just skills for employment but a pathway to a better quality of life.