Ten vulnerable youths in Kano State have completed a transformative three-month skill acquisition programme through a community shared value (CSV) initiative led by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, Sahel Capital and African Food Changemakers. With support from the Mufarka Youth Development Initiative (MYDI) and the Zaytoon Foundation, this milestone signals the beginning of new opportunities for the participants, equipping them with skills to foster economic independence and contribute to community growth.
The graduation ceremony, held on October 3, 2024, in Kano, Nigeria, brought together representatives from Gwale and Fagge local government areas (LGAs), Ministry of Women and Community Development officials and guardians of the graduates. Attendees celebrated the joint efforts of stakeholders who contributed their time, resources and expertise to the initiative’s success.
The CSV Skill Acquisition Project focuses on empowering vulnerable youth, including orphans, by imparting practical skills for economic self-reliance and a better quality of life. Training areas included tailoring, barbing and leatherwork, where participants not only gained hands-on experience but also developed vital soft skills, including financial literacy, problem-solving and entrepreneurship. By combining technical and soft skills, the programme positions these young individuals for a more promising future.
Recognizing the importance of vocational skills in communities facing high youth unemployment, the project’s vocational training aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods. Each participant received startup kits tailored to their chosen trade, such as sewing machines, barbing kits, and leatherwork tools, to help them put their skills to immediate use in launching small businesses or securing employment. Graduates beamed with pride as they received their equipment, ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“This is just the beginning,” one of the graduates said with a smile. “With these skills, I can now contribute to my family and build a better future for myself.”
Beyond individual transformation, the initiative promotes economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The newly skilled youth serve as role models in their communities, demonstrating that with the right resources and support, even the most vulnerable can thrive and contribute positively to society.
Attending the ceremony were local government officials and Ministry of Women and Community Development representatives, affirming the alignment of the project with state and national goals for youth empowerment and poverty reduction. Guardians of the graduates expressed their gratitude, highlighting the project’s positive impact on both families and communities.
The project’s success illustrates the power of collaboration. Financial support, volunteer efforts and contributions from diverse stakeholders were essential in making this initiative a reality. The commitment to positive change has not only reshaped the lives of these ten children but also set a precedent for future programmes that seek to uplift vulnerable groups.
Looking to the future, Mufarka Youth Development Initiative (MYDI) and its partners remain committed to promoting growth and self-sufficiency. Plans are already in motion for similar projects to empower marginalised communities across Nigeria, focusing on sustainable development and long-term impact.
The selection process for the programme emphasised transparency and inclusivity. Beneficiaries were chosen from the Peace Promoters Project database managed by MYDI in Kano. The selection criteria included factors like age (15 to 19 years), residency in Fagge or Gwale LGAs, gender inclusivity, demonstrated interest in skills training, basic numeracy and vulnerability status. Peace Promoters from Fagge and Gwale LGAs, alongside community stakeholders, played a key role in identifying and verifying potential beneficiaries before conducting screening interviews.
Out of 16 candidates screened, 10 were selected for training in barbing, leatherwork and tailoring. These skills were chosen for their income-generating potential and their ability to promote self-sufficiency within the community, following guidance from MYDI’s research. The graduates, many of whom are orphans and out-of-school youths, now have a chance to leverage their skills to attain financial independence. Equipped with essential tools like sewing machines and clippers, these young individuals are prepared to start their trades immediately and build sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative underscores a vital step towards uplifting Kano’s vulnerable youth, fostering not only individual transformation but also broader community development. The skill acquisition centres remain accessible to graduates for continued learning and skill refinement, ensuring their path toward economic empowerment and resilience.
As the initiative continues to unfold, MYDI and its partners aim to create a ripple effect of change across Nigeria. Through projects like these, a brighter, more inclusive future is being built, one young entrepreneur at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue empowering vulnerable youth and strengthening communities across Kano and beyond.
