…Receives over 1,000 applications, seeks corporate support
By Nwafor Sunday Polycarp
Nigerian content creator Chiamaka Irene has launched an initiative, Girls Can Fly Too, to support aspiring female cabin crew members who cannot afford professional training.
The initiative was inspired by Irene’s personal experience of being unable to pursue her ambition of becoming a cabin crew member because of financial constraints.
She said the project was designed to help young women overcome financial barriers to aviation careers by connecting eligible candidates with training opportunities and sponsorship.
“I know what it feels like to want something so badly but not have the money to pursue it. There was a time I wanted to become a cabin crew member, but I could not afford the training. I understand how painful it can be when finances stand between you and something you genuinely want,” she said.
Irene explained that she decided to turn her unfulfilled ambition into an opportunity to support other young women seeking to enter the aviation industry.
“Today, I have a platform and an opportunity to make a difference. I asked myself, if I can help another girl overcome the barrier that once stood in my way, why shouldn’t I?” she added.
Over 1,000 applications received
According to Irene, the initiative attracted more than 1,000 applications after she invited interested young women to apply for cabin crew training support.
She said the response exceeded her expectations, making the screening and organisation of applications a significant task.
A screening committee has been established to assess applications and select suitable candidates through an organised process.
Although not every applicant can be guaranteed sponsorship, Irene expressed hope that partnerships and additional support would enable the initiative to reach more qualified candidates.
She said the aim was to establish a credible process through which selected applicants could access professional training opportunities.
Seeks corporate, airline support
To expand the initiative, Irene has appealed to airlines, banks, corporate organisations, cabin crew training institutions, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the programme.
She said assistance could come through sponsorship of training fees, access to training opportunities, educational resources and other contributions that would help eligible candidates pursue their ambitions.
She also urged individuals unable to provide financial assistance to publicise the initiative and connect it with potential sponsors.
“I am not asking people to support me for personal gain. I am asking them to help us give these girls an opportunity. If an organisation can sponsor one girl, another organisation can sponsor another. Together, we can help more girls take that first step,” she said.
Beyond scholarships
Irene said Girls Can Fly Too was intended to go beyond financial assistance by helping young women access professional development opportunities and work towards financial independence.
She expressed hope that the initiative would attract sustained sponsorship and partnerships capable of creating opportunities for more aspiring female cabin crew members.
Rather than presenting herself as an aviation expert, Irene said she was using her personal experience, social media platform and network to connect aspiring candidates with potential training and sponsorship opportunities.
She maintained that financial circumstances should not automatically prevent young women from pursuing careers for which they have the passion and determination.
Through the initiative, Irene hopes to turn her own experience of an unfulfilled ambition into practical support for others, with success ultimately measured by the training opportunities and career pathways created for beneficiaries.
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