Christiana Omonaghe Iyoha

Education for Empowerment Initiative - A Comprehensive Investment Proposal under the TNT Program.​ Proposal by: Christiana Omonaghe Iyoha​ Organization Type: Non Profit​ Project Type: Ongoing Educational and Entrepreneur Development Program​ Location: Community Based (Urban and Rural Areas)​ ​ 1. Introduction:​ The TNT (Teach and Transition) Youth Entrepreneurship and Education Program is a volunteer driven initiative dedicated to bridging the education and economic gap among at-risk and out of school youth aged 13 and above. The program provides a pathway to empowerment through literacy, digital learning and practical entrepreneurship training, helping participants build the knowledge and confidence to create sustainable livelihood.​ ​ By integrating fundamental education with hands-on business skills, TNT transforms young people into self-reliant entrepreneurs, job creators, and active contributors to the communities. Operating across both urban and rural areas, the program promotes inclusion , innovation and long-term community development.​ ​ This proposal seeks strategic partnership and funding support to strengthen and expand the TNT Program's capacity for continuous high-impact delivery. Through sustained investment, the initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty, foster self sufficiency, and build a more resilient and empowered generation. ​ ​ 2. Background and Problem Statement ​ Access to quality education and economic opportunity remains one of the most persistent challenges in under-resourced communities. Across both urban and rural areas,many adolescent and young adults are unable to pursue their education or vocational dreams due to financial barriers, social inequality, or lack of structured guidance. This often leaves the vulnerable to unemployment, underemployment and social exclusion.​ ​ For youth aged 13 and above, the critical stage of life often determines whether they advance towards self reliance or fall deeper into economic hardship. Without targeted information, their potential is left unrealized, perpetuating circles of poverty that extend through generations.​ ​ The TNT Youth Entrepreneurship and Educational Program was established to direct response to these realities. By integrating foundational learning with hands-on entrepreneurial development, TNT equips participants to turn their skills and creativity into viable, income generating ventures. The mission is not only to educate but to empower youth to create employment for themselves and others, thereby fueling community growth and long term economic reliance.​ 3. Program Mission​ The mission of the TNT Entrepreneurship Training Program is to teach, train and transform economically disadvantaged youth into successful entrepreneurs. TNT provides a complete pathway from education to enterprise offering academic support, practical business training, mentorship and incubator resources that guide participants from learning to launching their own ventures. ​ ​ Through the mission, TNT envisions communities where youth are empowered to lead with creativity, innovation and purpose driving sustainable growth and contributing to the reduction of unemployment and poverty. 4. Target Participants and Enrollment​ This program prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that opportunity reaches those who need them most.​ ​ Primary Target Group ●​ Youth Aged 13 and Above: Adolescent and young adults seeking educational and vocational growth, particularly those at risk at school due to financial challenges. ●​ Out of School Youth: Individuals unable to continue schooling due to economic hardship. ●​ Underemployed or Unemployed Adults: Those motivated to pursue entrepreneurship as a sustainable livelihood. ●​ Low Income Individuals: Participants from disadvantaged communities with limited access to formal education or business resources. ​ Gender and Inclusivity​ The TNT mission is fully gender inclusive, ensuring equal access for all genders and promoting diversity across all program levels​ ​ 5. Program Objectives​ The TNT Program operates under six measurable objectives designed to achieve high impact incomes. ●​ Foster Entrepreneur Mindset - Cultivate a proactive, resilient mindset in all participants through motivational sections and real world engagement. ●​ Provide Foundational Knowledge - Deliver comprehensive business education, covering finance literacy, business planning, marketing, and operations. ●​ Develop Skill Mastery - Ensure that 85% of participants complete the curriculum with demonstrated competence in entrepreneurship and management. ●​ Establish Mentorship Network - Connect 90% of participants with professional mentors to guide their business development. ●​ Facilitate Financial Access - Links 25% of graduates with seed capital or microloan opportunities within six months of completion. ●​ Ensure Business Launch Success - Track and support at least 50% of graduates in launching a profitable business within one year. ​ 6. Core Program Components​ Component Description Time Allocation Training and Workshops Intensive entrepreneurship sessions covering business modelling, pricing, legal setup, and financial management. 40% (2days/week) Foundational Education Module Literacy, numeracy, and digital skills training for youth who missed formal schooling. 20% (1day/week) Mentorship and Coaching Personalize mentorship with industry experts for at least 3 months. Ongoing (2hrs/week) Networking and Community Building Peer collaboration events such as pitch days and alumni networking. 10% (Monthly) Business incubation and Support Post-training business support including workspace access and resource tools 30% (Flexible) ​ ​ 7. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan​ The TNT Program uses both quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to measure its success and guide ongoing improvement. KPI Metric/Frequency Purpose Enrollment & Retention Rate Tracked Weekly Measures engagement and reach Skill Mastery & Proficiency Pre -and -post assessment Evaluate knowledge gain Business Formalization rate 12-month follow-up Assesses transition entrepreneur Job Creation rate 24-months follow-up Tracks community-level impact Financial Health of Graduates Quarterly survey Monitor long-term sustainability ​ 8. Project Budget​ The projected annual operating cost for the TNT Program (serving 50 participants per cohort, with three cohorts annually) is outlined below. This funding will sustain program quality, mentorship, materials, facilities essential to program delivery. Category Description Personnel Program Director, Trainers, Mentorship Coordinator Training Materials & Resources Annual Cost (USD) Funding Request (USD) $ $ Books, stationary, digital $ tools $ Stipends & Transportation Support for youth attendance $ $ Facilities & Utilities Safe and accessible co-working and training space $ $ Seed Capital Funds Micro-grants or startup funding for graduates. $ $ Technology & Equipment Shared laptops, internet, and software. $ $ Marketing & Outreach Recruitment and awareness campaign. $ $ Monitoring & Evaluation KPI tracking, assessments and audit. $ $ $ $ Total Project Cost ​ 9. Impact and Sustainability​ The TNT Program is designed for long-term, compounding impact. Each participant not only benefits personally but becomes a catalyst for broader community transformation.​ Anticipated Long-term Outcomes:​ ●​ Generational Poverty Reduction: Empowering youth to create income and employment breaks the poverty circle. ●​ Local Economic Growth: New businesses stimulate job creation and local investment. ●​ Community Resilience: Educated entrepreneurs become role models and mentors to others. Sustainability Model: ●​ Efficient personal and volunteer structure to minimize cost. ●​ Alumni engagement as peer mentors and role models. ●​ Diverse funding from grants, partnerships and donors. ●​ Proven high-impact ROI demonstrated through jobs creation and business growth. ​ 10. Conclusion and Call to Action​ The TNT Youth Entrepreneurship and Education Program is more than an initiative. It is a lifeline for disadvantaged youth seeking opportunity, independence, and dignity. By investing in TNT, partners directly support the creation of a generation of capable entrepreneurs who will redefine their community futures.​ ​ We invite organisations, donors and impact driven investors to join us in expanding and sustaining this transformative program. Together, we can turn education into empowerment and empowerment into lasting change.​ ​ ​ ​ ​