Ummul Khultum: From School Dropout to Thriving Entrepreneur

Empowering young minds with skills can change lives. That’s exactly what happened to Ummul Khultum, a determined young woman who turned adversity into success.

From Setback to Comeback

When Ummul lost her mother, her world changed overnight. Her father, struggling financially and physically challenged, couldn’t afford to keep her in school. Left with no job or skills, she faced an uncertain future.

But giving up was never an option. At just 20, she took charge of her destiny.

Ummul Khultum’s Life-Changing Opportunity

Her breakthrough came through a UNICEF-supported program in partnership with the ELEVA Foundation. This initiative, aimed at out-of-school girls and Almajiri boys in Sokoto State, provided hands-on training in tailoring, knitting, bag-making, and more.

For eight months, Ummul honed her craft, learning both practical skills and the basics of entrepreneurship. A starter kit at the end of the program gave her the push she needed to begin.

“This training changed my life,” she says. “I always wanted to learn tailoring, but never had the opportunity.”

A Business Built on Determination

With her newfound skills and N30,000 in support from her brother, Bello, Ummul launched her tailoring business. What started as a humble venture has now flourished into something bigger than she imagined:

• She owns two sewing machines and supplies products to nine retail stores.
• Her designs have reached international customers in Niger Republic.
• She has completed bulk orders for weddings and graduation ceremonies.
• She trades in fabrics and custom-made clothing.

Her stepmother, Ubaida Lamido, couldn’t be prouder. “This program transformed our daughter. She now supports the family financially, and we do our best to encourage her.”

Pushing Through Challenges

Despite inflation, border closures, and financial hurdles, Ummul remains focused. With a business capital of N350,000, she reinvests in her trade while also training her younger siblings in tailoring.

Yet, her dreams don’t stop at entrepreneurship. She plans to return to school and complete her education before getting married.

“I want to finish what I started,” she says. “My business is growing, but I still want my education.”

The Future Looks Bright

Ummul’s journey proves that skills and determination can rewrite any story. With the right support, young entrepreneurs like her can rise above challenges and build a future filled with opportunities.