By Muhammad Nur Tijani
An International Non-Governmental Organisation, Self Help Africa (SHA), with support from Mastercard Foundation, says it will train 25,000 women and youths in Kano on agricultural production, market and relevant skills to become self-reliant.
Self Help Africa Programme Manager, Kano, Hajara Mohammed, made this known at the launch of the Youth in Work Project on Thursday in Kano.
According to her, the workshop is organised to identify priority trades that will enable youths to gain employment and become self-employed.
She said that the training would enable them access to bank loans and support from government and other agencies.
The programme manager added that the goal of the project was strengthening food systems to promote increased value chain and employment opportunities for young men and women between the ages of (18-35)in the state.
Mohammed further said that the project’s intervention covers Gaya , Dawakin-Kudu, Kumbotso, Tudun- Wada and Kura Local Government Areas of the state
She said, “The overall outcome is for young men and women have new employment and/or improved employment conditions along the value chains of horticulture, millet, sorghum, soyabean and groundnut.
“Our total target participants is 25, 000 (60%Women) and the duration is one year.
”The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty in the communities and make them self-reliant.
” Youth in Work project will implement Safeguarding through the following strategies.
“The Youth in Work project will foster an environment where all participants feel respected, valued, and safe to express their opinions and concerns.
“Establish clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing safeguarding concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels of the project.”
According to Mohammed, it will also ensure that the Youth in Work Project aligns with SHA’s safeguarding policies.
It will also ensure that all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are trained on the safeguarding policy and procedures of SHA,” she explained.
The country director, Joy Aderele, who addressed the stakeholders via zoom, restated the commitment of SHA to training women and youths to become self-reliant.
Aderele said that their aim was to transition communities out of long-term poverty through work that gives them greater control over their futures and provides a better quality of life.
Muideen Adigun, in his presentation on Code of Conduct and Anti Corruption of SHA, said that Self Help Africa’s policy aims to help them to conduct their business in an honest and ethical manner.
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate.
“SHA will always apply the highest and most stringent standard. I will not commit any act, or consent to any act being committed, that could cause physical or psychological harm or suffering to any person,” he explained.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa, restated the commitment of his agency to using the farmers and agriculture agents as tools of promoting food security as well as employment creation.
He added that KNARDA’s aim was to support and expand the agricultural industry by putting into practice policies, initiatives, and projects that improve agricultural production, food security, and rural livelihoods.
NAN