Taking a long break from work can be challenging, especially when it comes to reentering the workforce. For many women in Nigeria, the gap between employment or career progression can be due to various reasons, including family responsibilities or personal circumstances. However, this break often makes it harder to return to work, and in many cases, it hinders career advancement.
In particular, women in developing countries like Nigeria face additional challenges when it comes to rejoining the workforce after an extended break. Unlike their male counterparts, women may lack the necessary support systems to ease their transition back into work. This is especially common in lower-income communities, where societal expectations and limited access to resources can contribute to the difficulty of restarting careers.
The situation is even more complex for women who have been out of the workforce for an extended period, such as those who have been at home for several years. For those who graduated long ago, re-entering the workforce can feel like an insurmountable challenge. However, there is a silver lining — the Zeribe Nwosu Foundation (ZNF) offers a solution to help women overcome these barriers and get back on track with their careers.
Zeribe Nwosu Foundation: Empowering Women to Restart Their Careers
The Zeribe Nwosu Foundation (ZNF) has recognized the challenges faced by Nigerian women who are trying to return to work after a long break. To help address this issue, the foundation launched a scholarship program three years ago, designed specifically for women who want to study online and update their skills.
This scholarship provides financial support to women in Nigeria, helping them gain the knowledge and skills necessary to re-enter the workforce or advance in their careers. The funds are intended to assist women who have been out of work for at least one year, enabling them to take online courses that will either refresh their existing skills or help them acquire new ones.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the Zeribe Nwosu Foundation scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-
You must be a woman from Nigeria and currently reside in Nigeria.
-
You must have completed your university or polytechnic education in Nigeria.
-
You must have taken a break from work for at least one year due to personal reasons, family responsibilities, or any other circumstances.
-
You should own a laptop, tablet, or a good mobile phone to access online courses. Alternatively, you may indicate that the scholarship funds would help you purchase these tools if needed.
Application Requirements
When applying for the scholarship, you need to prepare the following documents:
-
Personal Statement: A one-page document describing your academic background, work experience, reasons for applying, and your career aspirations.
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A concise CV, not exceeding three pages, detailing your educational and professional history.
-
Scholarship Statement: A one-page explanation of why you need this scholarship, including the reasons for your career break. Please be sure to exclude sensitive or confidential information.
-
Course Information: A list of the online courses you plan to pursue, including the names and website addresses of these programs.
-
Reference Letter: A letter of recommendation from a former employer, university professor, or a supervisor from your previous job.
-
Proof of Graduation: A copy of your university transcript or certificate to verify your academic qualifications.
Scholarship Awards
The Zeribe Nwosu Foundation offers scholarships worth N100,000 to at least three women who are selected for the program. These funds will be used to support your online studies and skill development, helping you gain the knowledge needed to successfully return to work.
Important Dates to Remember
Make sure to keep track of the following key dates if you wish to apply for the Zeribe Nwosu Foundation scholarship:
-
7 April: Start of the application period.
-
15 May, 11:59 PM (Nigeria time): Deadline for submitting your application.
-
31 May: Notification of shortlisted candidates and interview invitations.
-
1–20 June: Interview period for shortlisted applicants.
-
1 August: Announcement of scholarship winners.
How to Apply
Applying for the Zeribe Nwosu Foundation scholarship is free of charge. To submit your application, fill out the application form available on the Zeribe Nwosu Foundation website. Ensure that all required documents are prepared and submitted on time to avoid disqualification.
Conclusion
Take advantage of this opportunity to refresh your skills, boost your confidence, and re-enter the workforce with renewed strength. Apply today and start your journey toward a brighter future!
Have a question? Ask now!
Follow us on Instagram!