Lumiscape Charity Foundation (LCF), in partnership with Zephyr Interior Design Academy (ZIDA), has empowered 84 single mothers through a month-long interior design training programme.

The inaugural LCF-ZIDA Empowerment Initiative provided participants with foundational design skills, mentorship and exposure to professional opportunities in the creative industry.

The programme featured three weeks of virtual classes, followed by a practical workshop and scholarship presentation ceremony held at Haraya in Abuja on Aug. 15.

Supported by Haraya and Popit, the initiative began with an open application and selection process, through which 84 women were admitted into the virtual learning cohort.

The training, facilitated by ZIDA, covered design thinking, space planning, mood-board creation, colour theory, entrepreneurship and career pathways in the interior design industry.

Participants also took an examination to assess their understanding and practical application of the skills acquired during the virtual classes.

Based on their examination results and overall participation, 40 outstanding participants were selected for the physical workshop in Abuja.

Founder of LCF, Ifeoma Oluwapelumi Okoro, said the initiative was designed to provide women, particularly single mothers, with opportunities for lasting personal and economic transformation.

“Single mothers are not a homogeneous group. They have different interests, abilities, educational backgrounds and aspirations,” Okoro said.

She said while some women might prefer traditional trades, others could thrive in creative and professional industries that aligned with their talents and ambitions.

“Through this initiative, we are expanding the range of opportunities available to them and supporting each woman’s potential to thrive,” she said.

Okoro said the initiative was part of the foundation’s commitment to helping underserved single mothers achieve financial independence through education and skills development.

Managing Director of ZIDA, Precious Moses, described the initiative as personally significant, saying interior design had transformed her own life.

“Design changed my life and I have seen firsthand what it can do for a woman who is given the right tools, the right guidance and the right community,” Moses said.

She said the 40 participants had demonstrated determination by qualifying for the practical workshop and pledged that ZIDA would provide them with the necessary support.

During the workshop, participants took part in practical design sessions, mentorship conversations and collaborative activities led by industry professionals.

The sessions enabled participants to apply their virtual learning to the practical and commercial aspects of interior design.

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of two scholarships valued at a combined N2.105 million to outstanding participants.

The Lumiscape Charity Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Victory Ufedo-Ojo, providing full sponsorship for ZIDA’s 15-month Full-Time Interior Design Programme.

The scholarship, valued at N1.705 million, covers interior design fundamentals, technical drawing, computer-aided design, 3D visualisation, lighting design and project management.

It also covers sustainable design principles and professional business development.

Ufedo-Ojo expressed gratitude to the foundation and the academy for investing in the development of the participants.

“I am deeply thankful to the LCF and ZIDA teams for this incredible scholarship and for believing in us, investing in our growth and creating such a beautiful platform for learning,” she said.

The second scholarship, valued at N400,000, was presented to Miracle Ojogwu under the Zephyr Interior Design Academy Scholarship.

The award provides admission to ZIDA’s eight-week Interior Design Fundamentals Programme and recognises Ojogwu’s commitment, creativity and performance throughout the initiative.

Ojogwu pledged to make the most of the opportunity and justify the confidence placed in her.

“I am committed to working hard, making them proud and using everything I learn to build a better future,” she said.

Okoro said the foundation would continue to use education, skills development, mentorship and financial assistance to expand access to opportunities.

She said the organisation was also committed to sustainable empowerment initiatives aimed at breaking cycles of poverty and building stronger and more resilient families and communities.

Haraya served as the official venue partner for the workshop, while Popit supported the event with gourmet popcorn for participants.

Zephyr Interior Design Academy is a professional interior design institution focused on developing skilled, innovative and industry-ready design professionals through practical training.

Lumiscape Charity Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to empowering underprivileged children and single mothers while supporting vulnerable communities.

•PHOTO, L–R: Nnesochi Okoro; Ifeoma Oluwapelumi Okoro, Founder, Lumiscape Charity Foundation (LCF); Victory Ufedo-Ojo, scholarship recipient; Bella Sergeant-Awuse; and Akpen Dooshima Ada, during the presentation of the LCF scholarship cheque at the LCF x ZIDA Single Mothers Interior Design Empowerment Initiative.