No fewer than 40 youths have benefitted from Strengthening Socio-Economic and Entrepreneurial Development courtesy Faith for Peace project co-funded by Bread for the World and European Union implemented by TEKAN Peace Desk.
Our correspondent reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from six communities from three Local Government Areas including Billiri, Kalmai, Deba, Kunuwal, Malam Sidi and Kwami.
They were trained and empowered with start-up packs on Tailoring, Carpentry, Welding, Barbing, Hairdressing, Knitting, Cosmetology, Make-up, Plumbing, and POP.
Speaking at the graduation and distribution of start-up packs to beneficiaries the Coordinator of TEKAN Peace Desk, Mrs Helen Philemon Haggai, noted that the beneficiaries were trained across relevant skills to improve their resources.
Haggai said, “We carefully selected you for these trainings knowing fully well, the economic conditions in Nigeria.
“One needs not to be told about the economic hardships we go through in this country.
“Therefore, with these trainings and start-up packs, you have gotten the foundation upon which you can grow far and strong to support yourself, your family others around you.”
She added that the beneficiaries were carefully selected to make them self-reliant and beneficial to their families and communities, adding that priority was given to women in the selection process, following their organisational prowess.
“Let me categorically make it clear that this support from European Union and Bread for the World, is meant to better your lives, you are not expected to sell any, put it into use and extend the skills and knowledge to those around you. You have passed through trauma healing training. Don’t sell it, use it to support your family to send your children to school,” Haggai added.
Also, TEKAN Peace Desk Secretary Gombe, Evans Leviticus, urged beneficiaries to desist from attempt to sell donated items saying “It takes sacrifice for this to be done. This empowerment is for you to help your community. I pray you will utilise it to the glory of the Lord.”
Usman Danburam from Jama’atu Nasril Islam, added, “To graduands don’t sell it (donated items), this is like your retirement benefit. We hope that you will use it to improve your life.”
Iliya Amos appreciated TEKAN Peace Desk for empowering them, assuring to put the knowledge and resources gained into proper use.
“With this intervention from TEKAN Peace, we feel loved, empowered, encouraged and carried along to achieving our life goals. We assure you that we shall continue to learn, train others and put these resources into proper use,” Amos added.
Highlight of the occasion was distribution of start-up packs, certificates to beneficiaries.
