Skill acquisition: Sightsavers empowers 15 PWDs with starter packs

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As part of social responsibility, Sightsavers in collaboration with Spectrum Markets empowered 15 adolescent girls living with disability, with starter packs in Kaduna state.
The training, which was conducted at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Kaduna state office was supported by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Ministry of Health.
While speaking at the event, the Senior Programme Manager, Eye Health, Sightsavers, Dr Selben Penzin, said the programme was aimed at providing inclusive education for young girls so that they can be self-reliant and not a liability.
She explained that the beneficiaries were trained in various skills like baking, soap, candle making, knitting and fashion design.
She also advised the parents of the participants to support and encourage their wards, to keep practising with their starter kits to perfect their chosen skills and establish themselves.
The Director General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, said the organisation had a tracking and follow-up mechanism to track the performance and performance of trainees while ensuring proper mentoring.
The D.G. who was represented by the assistant director of training, Kaduna area office, Daniel Jamgbadi, said it was a tough decision to train the teenage girls but it was worth it as participants showed seriousness.
He warned the parents of the beneficiaries not to sell the starter packs received, stressing that it was given to the girls to ensure sustainability for the girls.
Earlier, the Area Manager of, the ITF Kaduna office who was represented by Hajiya Binta Imam, urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with determination and optimism while making meaningful contributions to the economy and society at large.