No fewer than 411 out of school children in Jigawa State have been empowered with vocational skills and income generating starter kits after completing a three month training programme across three local government areas.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, is being implemented by Save the Children International in collaboration with Plan International, DRDI, and HANDS. It targets beneficiaries in Gwaram, Babura, and Kafin Hausa LGAs.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Kofar Fada in Gwaram, the Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Coordinator of SCI, Enan Timothy, explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from learners who completed Level 3 of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) across 20 communities.
He noted that participants received training in literacy and numeracy before being enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through partner institutions, including the National Directorate of Employment, the State Agency for Mass Education, and the Jigawa State Empowerment Agency.
“Today marks the distribution of income generating kits, graduation, and certificate presentation to participants in Jigawa State,” he said.
According to him, the programme under the Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth aims to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups.
He added that the project prioritised inclusivity, with 60 percent female and 40 percent male beneficiaries from northwestern Nigeria.
The District Head of Gwaram, Abubakar Tijjani, commended the initiative, noting that it would help address social challenges such as early marriage and divorce by providing economic opportunities for young people.
He praised the efforts of the EU, SCI, and other partners, urging continued collaboration for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hadiza Abdulwahab, represented by the Director of Child Development, Halima Yusif Usman, lauded the partners for their support and encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the starter kits to achieve self reliance.
