Dear Sandra,

I truly admire the work you are doing in Nigeria. I love that there are multiple positive outcomes to your program, from empowering women to breaking down stereotypes.

I am curious if you have considered partnerships with other local and international organizations, like the Nike Foundation, that are aimed at empowering women through health-care and awareness? It sounds as though health care and a well-rounded education are fundamental to your organization, and other organizations may be interested in helping facilitate training.

Additionally, I would like to echo Ms. Heather Cameron's question regarding the revenue stream for participants throughout the program.

Thank you again for your diligence in combatting inequality and other gender issues in Nigeria.
Sincerely,
Sarah McRae

----------
Current Master of International Management Student, Portland State University

Sandra:

I think your program has great potential to empower Nigerian women--wonderful idea. You mention partnering with NGOs and others, but have you been able to approach existing garages to employ your graduates? Is there a way to work with local government to avoid demolition of your own garage? Can an NGO sponsor a garage for the graduates to work in?

Also, do you have a tracking mechanism to see if your graduates continue to work as mechanics a few years down the line? I think that would be useful data to present to funders and other potential partners.

Keep up the good work!
Katie
----------
Portland State University MBA

Sandra your work is a motivation for me and a lot of Young Nigerian girls because it reminds us daily that if anyone whether male or female is trained and given the opportunity to practice his/her skill or talent, they can do very well. Your project is helping trmendously in breaking the limitations placed on our young girls in choosing a career. Thank you so much Sandra

sandra,

I salute your best to none econonic policies that involves the training of the female gender in automechanic skills in order for them to have a sustainable livelihood.If a woman is empowered it is for the benefit of the nation at large.well done great change maker.

Sandra -
Thanks for sharing your story on changemakers. What a great initiative!. I would like to know if you have investigated how to create some earned income sources for the girls and their work? Would it be possible for you to bid for government contracts or school contracts to fix cars and small machines much like other projects successfully do with the sewing of school uniforms?

Second, do the girls get access to tools or their own tools upon graduation? Are they able to work independently or what are the next steps for them into employment?

All the best from Berlin,

Heather Cameron
----------
Heather Cameron
Professor
Free University Berlin
University Challenge

Hi Sandra,

congratulations on a great initiative! I like how you go against gender stereoytpes here and pay attention to networking and sustainability. What also caught my eye was the "trainees become trainers" element. Can you tell us a little more on how you envision that and/or what you are alreday doing in this area?

Thanks and all the best for your work.
Jasper

----------
Jasper Nicolaisen
Free University Berlin
University Challenge

SANDRA,

I was just looking through some of the submissions for this competition and came across yours which really stands out in terms of its practicality, innovation and vision. It's also fantastic to see that your well-balanced socio-economic initiative is addressing some of the root causes of modern-day slavery/trafficking straight on. Great job and all the best of luck to you and your budding mechanics!

----------
sandra