The Ivorgba Center expands Women Economic and Livelihood Skills Program to Makeni, Sierra Leone
The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center has expanded its Women’s Economic and Livelihood Skills Program to Makeni, Sierra Leone, creating new opportunities for women to gain practical skills and strengthen their livelihoods. The expansion is supported by Women in Africa (WIA) Philanthropy and Stop Hunger through the Women for Zero Hunger Program. Their funding and mentoring support has enabled the Center to establish a larger training space and acquire additional equipment, including manual and industrial sewing machines. The new training center is located at Dr. Kuyateh Drive, New England, Makeni, Sierra Leone. Training at the new center officially began in September 2026.
The program offers hands-on instruction in tailoring and fashion design, gara tie-dyeing, soap making, and eco-artisan skills. Participants can also develop home management and entrepreneurship-related skills through courses in cuisine, catering, cake baking, and event decoration. Climate-resilient agriculture is another key area of training, helping women build knowledge that can support household food security and sustainable livelihoods. During its first six months, the Center plans to train 90 women. The courses are designed to equip participants with useful, marketable skills that can help them pursue employment, start or grow small businesses, and contribute to their families and communities.
By expanding to Makeni, the Emmanuel Ivorgba Center is bringing practical livelihood training to more women in Sierra Leone. The initiative reflects a commitment to supporting women’s economic participation through accessible skills development, appropriate equipment, and mentoring.
The Center’s new facility provides space for participants to learn, practise, and develop their abilities in a supportive environment. With training spanning creative trades, food services, home management, and agriculture, the program responds to a range of interests and potential income-generating opportunities.
The expansion marks an important step in the Center’s efforts to broaden its reach and support women’s economic empowerment. As the first cohort begins training, the program aims to help participants turn new skills into sustainable opportunities and build greater financial resilience.
The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center extends its appreciation to WIA Philanthropy and Stop Hunger for their support through the Women for Zero Hunger Program. Their partnership has helped make the Makeni expansion possible and will support the Center’s work with women in the months ahead.
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