By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, Joy Alkali, has trained and empowered 1,102 students and women in Taraba State through vocational skills acquisition, literacy and Computer-Based Test (CBT) training, as part of her Community Development Service project.
Alkali also donated school uniforms to 30 students of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, in Jalingo to support access to education.
The project, implemented under her Better Tomorrow Initiative, was inaugurated on Tuesday after three months of a “Learning to Read” literacy programme and a week-long training in baking, pastry and confectionery.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Alkali said the initiative was designed to equip women and young people with practical, income-generating skills that would enhance their livelihoods, promote self-reliance and contribute to community development.
She said the project was inspired by her commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the classroom, stressing that empowering women creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.
“Today is not just about celebrating the completion of a programme; it is about celebrating hope, empowerment and a better future for our community.
“We believe that when a woman is empowered, her family is strengthened, her community is transformed and the nation becomes better,” she said.
Alkali urged the beneficiaries to put the skills acquired into productive use by establishing small businesses and mentoring others within their communities.
She added that the donation of school uniforms to 30 students was intended to complement the education policy of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, by reducing the financial burden on parents and encouraging school attendance.
The corps member also acknowledged the support of sponsors, facilitators, volunteers and community leaders, noting that the success of the Better Tomorrow Initiative should be measured by the number of lives positively impacted.
The Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Ella Aji Williams, commended Alkali for undertaking a community-focused project in line with the objectives of the NYSC Community Development Service.
Represented by the Head of Community Development Service, Mr Sunday Wankari, Williams also lauded the management of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, and the Taraba State Government for providing a peaceful environment that enabled corps members to execute impactful community projects.
The NYSC Local Government Inspector, Mr Lafal Clement, described the initiative as a model of selfless service and urged other corps members to undertake projects that address the needs of their host communities.
“Let this be a reference point for service that truly touches lives,” he said.
The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, Comrade Abubakar Sanusi, expressed appreciation for Alkali’s contributions, describing her intervention as one that addressed critical needs within the school.
He said the corps member renovated classroom chalkboards, introduced reading support and CBT training, donated school uniforms and carried out other interventions that had significantly benefited students.
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