CASE STORY OF NKIRUKA OKOLIE, PAST GRADUANT OF DEC 2015
CASE STORY OF NKIRUKA OKOLIE, PAST GRADUANT OF DEC 2015
My name is Nkiruka Okolie, and I want to share my story with you. I was born on October 29, 1991, in the small village of Ogbuanyanwu, Nnenwanta, located in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. I come from a humble family, with my parents being Godwin Okolie and Stella Okolie. I am the fifth child and the youngest daughter among six siblings, including two boys and four girls. My father worked as a mason, while my mother was a petty trader and farmer.
Growing up, I faced many challenges in completing my secondary school education. However, in 2007, I managed to overcome those obstacles and graduate. Afterward, I moved to Onitsha to live with a relative and worked as a house help. Later on, I found a job as a salesgirl, earning a monthly salary of 3,500 naira. I worked tirelessly in that position for three years until I returned home for the Christmas holiday in 2013.
During my stay in the village, I realized that continuing as a salesgirl in Onitsha would not lead me to the future I envisioned for myself. It was then that I discovered the Development Education Centre (DEC) and the opportunities they provided for young women. Intrigued, I expressed my interest in joining their program.
Fortunately, I passed the orientation and interview process held in January 2014 and was selected for fashion and design training, a lifelong dream of mine. Throughout my time at DEC, I was dedicated and committed to learning. In my first year, I even began sewing clothes for my fellow students and relatives from the village. This early practice allowed me to refine my skills and gain practical experience.
After graduating from DEC in December 2015, I didn't rest on my laurels. Instead, I found employment as a seamstress in Enugu, where I earned an income based on the number of clothes I sewed. I worked diligently for five months but eventually decided to return to Nnenwanta. There, I borrowed my uncle's sewing machine and started sewing for people in the village. I realized that the money I made on my own was more rewarding than the pay I received working for someone else.
During this time, I actively searched for a shop to establish my own business. After three months of searching, I finally secured a shop at Orie Awgu, a bustling location that proved to be perfect for my venture. I paid rent for six months upfront, determined to make my business a success.
Today, I am still running my business and have even had the opportunity to train and mentor more than seven individuals who share my passion for fashion and design. I owe my success to DEC, as they provided me with the platform to pursue and achieve my dreams.
I am grateful for the path I've traveled and the people who have supported me along the way. Through hard work, determination, and the guidance of DEC, I have been able to turn my passion into a fulfilling career.