A government-run program in Nigeria’s Katsina State recently released the results of an innovative program to teach women a range of skills that can translate into job opportunities. According to Mdan Ahmed Doki, executive director of the State Agency for Mass Education, the vocational training program has successfully engaged more than 1,400 women in nine different centers throughout the state over the last four years.
Participants are primarily women who are widowed or who previously had dropped out of school. They studied a number of vocational disciplines and handicrafts, including nutrition and sewing. In addition to training in specific skills, the women also received instructional kits to assist in setting up their own small businesses.
Through this program, the government aims to empower these women to become self-reliant and to take on entrepreneurial roles in their communities. In light of the program’s success so far, funds have already been appropriated to continue the program through 2015. Moreover, three new vocational training centers will be established in order to expand the program into areas currently not served.
Participants are primarily women who are widowed or who previously had dropped out of school. They studied a number of vocational disciplines and handicrafts, including nutrition and sewing. In addition to training in specific skills, the women also received instructional kits to assist in setting up their own small businesses.
Through this program, the government aims to empower these women to become self-reliant and to take on entrepreneurial roles in their communities. In light of the program’s success so far, funds have already been appropriated to continue the program through 2015. Moreover, three new vocational training centers will be established in order to expand the program into areas currently not served.