Kedrus Academy’s SkillUp Moms Initiative: Empowering Mothers, Transforming Lives, and Bridging the Digital Skills Gap
December 15, 2024
Kedrus Academy proudly celebrates the successful completion of the SkillUp Moms pilot project, an innovative initiative championed by Stella Amarachi Justin, Co-founder of Kedrus Academy. Designed to empower mothers with cutting-edge data and AI skills, this program awarded scholarships to 25 mothers, enabling them to re-enter the workforce and contribute to their families and the economy. This milestone is the first step toward an ambitious goal: training 10,000 mothers by the end of 2026.
The SkillUp Moms initiative was inspired by Stella Amarachi Justin’s recognition of a critical societal challenge. Research shows that 48% of mothers do not return to paid employment postpartum, leading to financial strain for families and significant attrition in the corporate workforce. With this in mind, Stella set out to solve the problem by equipping mothers with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy while providing the support systems they need to succeed.
A Bold Vision for Change
SkillUp Moms aims to:
- Train 10,000 mothers in Data and AI skills by the end of 2026.
- Provide childcare service rebates, removing one of the largest barriers to workforce re-entry.
- Match skilled mothers with flexible, family-friendly job opportunities in tech-driven industries.
“The digital revolution has created unprecedented opportunities, and mothers should not be left behind,” said Stella Amarachi Justin. “SkillUp Moms is more than a training program—it’s a movement to ensure mothers have the tools and support to thrive in their dual roles as caregivers and contributors to the economy.”
Pilot Project Success: A Glimpse into the Future
The pilot project has already transformed the lives of its 25 participants. One graduate, a stay-at-home mother of two, shared her story: “I always felt left behind professionally after having children. SkillUp Moms gave me not just skills but confidence. Today, I’m working remotely as a data analyst, and I can’t thank Kedrus Academy enough for this opportunity.”
This initial success demonstrates the initiative’s potential to create lasting change. By scaling up, Kedrus Academy aims to empower thousands more mothers, giving them the tools to regain economic independence and achieve work-life balance.
A Path to Partnership: Opportunities for Collaboration
To achieve its ambitious goal of training 10,000 mothers by 2026, Kedrus Academy is actively seeking partnerships with:
- Corporate Sponsors: Tech companies and organizations in need of skilled talent can sponsor training cohorts and create pathways for mothers to join their workforce.
- Government Agencies: Public-sector collaboration can provide funding for childcare rebates and workforce development grants.
- Childcare Providers: Strategic partnerships with childcare centers can offer affordable solutions, enabling mothers to focus on their careers.
- Educational Platforms: Collaboration with online learning platforms can expand training access and resources.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Partnering with women’s empowerment organizations can amplify the program’s reach and impact.
“Partnerships are crucial for scaling SkillUp Moms,” Stella emphasized. “We envision a collaborative ecosystem where the private sector, government, and nonprofits come together to create opportunities that transform not just lives but entire communities.”
Long-Term Impact: Building a Better Future
SkillUp Moms is designed to create a ripple effect of positive change for all stakeholders:
- For Mothers: Economic independence through flexible, high-paying tech jobs, combined with the confidence to re-enter the workforce.
- For Families: Increased financial stability, reduced stress, and role modeling for the next generation.
- For Companies: Access to a diverse, untapped talent pool, boosting innovation and reducing costs associated with talent shortages.
- For the Economy: Strengthened GDP contributions and a workforce prepared to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
According to the World Economic Forum, 97 million new roles in data and AI will emerge globally by 2025, underscoring the urgency of equipping mothers with these skills. By bridging the gap, SkillUp Moms is not only addressing a societal need but also creating a workforce capable of driving economic growth.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026
With the pilot project’s success as a foundation, Kedrus Academy is committed to scaling SkillUp Moms over the next two years. Plans include launching new cohorts in Q2 2025, expanding training modules to include advanced AI skills, and securing funding to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Call to Action
Kedrus Academy invites corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and childcare providers to join the SkillUp Moms movement. Together, we can empower mothers, strengthen families, and shape a future where no woman is left behind due to motherhood.
To support this transformative initiative, contact us at [email protected]
About Kedrus Academy
Kedrus Academy is a premier edtech company on a mission to train and equip the African workforce with Data and AI Skills, to drive innovation, creativity and business growth across the continent.
