The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) continues to expand its commitment to uplifting talented women by offering sponsored, world-class creative arts certifications.
In partnership with Church Times Nigeria, TAFTA has announced the launch of its Learning Train (Church Edition), a holistic approach to empowering young women in Church communities.
This initiative targets women in church communities, equipping them with the resources and connections to turn their passion into flourishing careers in Nigeria’s thriving creative economy.
The ladies are being trained in script writing, animation, sound design, stage lighting, business and art entrepreneurship. For now only those living in Ogun, Lagos and Kano states are benefitting from the training
Bolanle Austen-Peters (center) is an iconic movie and theatre producer and the founder of Terra Academy for the Arts, which has empowered over 30,000 young creatives.
About TAFTA
Conceived by Bolanle Austen-Peters with the partnership of the Mastercard Foundation as a social transformation project, Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) provides high-quality arts education in Nigeria, addressing critical skills gaps and gender imbalances within the creative sector.
Building on Terra Kulture’s foundation, TAFTA has trained over 30,000 young people, with 19,000 securing employment in the creative industry. TAFTA offers comprehensive programs that nurture talent and promote innovation, with notable success in empowering young women in technical fields like stage lighting, sound design, and animation.
TAFTA graduation ceremony
TAFTA’s Vision for Empowerment
Speaking on the programme’s vision, Mr Olukayode Olusope, Senior Programme Consultant at TAFTA, described its scope and impact: “This initiative goes beyond skill-building by fostering mentorship and industry access to equip women with the tools and networks required for long-term success. It’s an opportunity for women to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Training and Mentorship Opportunities
Participants will gain expertise in scriptwriting, art business, animation, sound design, and entrepreneurship. Employability Coaching offers guidance from seasoned professionals to enable participants to get job placements. TAFTA also provides coaching and business registration support to start their creative businesses. Additionally, the program encourages collaboration and networking, connecting participants with influential industry figures.
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TAFTA has proved that when given adequate training, support and exposure, young women can perform excellently in technical skills like stage lighting and sound design.
Upcoming Training Sessions
The initiative started with intensive on-site training which took place at the Cathedral of St. Jude on April 7 where women in the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland were trained.
Other on site training has been slated for April 21 at Lagos Province 36 and 76 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Another training will be held at Chapel of Light Alausa on April 22.
The team of resources peesons will on April 25 also train women. at The Maker’s Church in Alagbole, Ogun State.
These sessions will be followed by online training to ensure continued development.
Participants will earn professional certifications, and selected individuals will receive funding for creative projects.
Call to Action for Churches
Churches are encouraged to mobilise their women within the target age group of 18–35 to participate. The programme is free for every participant.
It is advised that churches collaborate to have as many people as possible for the training. TAFTA can train between 300 and 1000 participants at once. The cohort 10, which is presently running, ends on April 30. Interested organisations can partner with TAFTA by contacting Mr Gbenga Osinaike, Publisher of Church Times Nigeria, at +234 803 333 6243 or churchtimesnigeria@gmail.com.