The Rural Development Counsellor for Christian Churches in Africa (RURCON) on Thursday held a close-out and graduation ceremony for youths enrolled in its 2024 skills acquisition programme, empowering beneficiaries from crisis-affected communities across Plateau and Kaduna states.
The programme, funded by Friends of RURCON, trained youths in various vocational skills for one to two years, depending on their chosen trade, and culminated in the distribution of startup packs to enable them establish small businesses.
Speaking during the event, RURCON’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Seth Yashim Gado, said the initiative targeted five communities affected by violent conflicts, including Mahanga in Bokkos LGA; Darwat and Horop in Barkin Ladi LGA; Pejim; and Doka community in Kaduna State.
He said the project was part of a broader humanitarian response designed to support community recovery.
“We discovered many youths were becoming involved in drug and substance abuse due to idleness and lack of capital. Enrolling them in entrepreneurship is to empower them to sustain themselves, improve their livelihoods, and support their households,” Gado explained.
Executive Director of RURCON, Mrs. Dinato Ayenzat, described the ceremony as the culmination of one of the organisation’s holistic ministry projects. She said beneficiaries who had completed one- or two-year trainings were now ready to launch their businesses using the items provided.
“The essence of the project is to support those negatively affected by crisis in Plateau and Kaduna and empower their youths to rebuild their communities as they become economically stable,” she said.
Ayenzat also charged the beneficiaries to uphold good moral and spiritual values as they progress in life.
Startup Packs Distributed
Items given to the beneficiaries included:
- 28 hairdressing kits
- 7 barbing kits
- 2 laptop computers
- 48 sewing machines
- 8 welding kits
- 4 mechanic toolboxes
- Panel-beating equipment
- 5 shoemaking machines
- 5 carpentry toolkits
- 4 driving learning support items
- 1 set of liquid soap–making chemicals (1 ton)
The beneficiaries and their trainers expressed gratitude to RURCON and its partners for the life-changing opportunity.
Mrs. Sandra Andrew, a trainer from Haipan who taught two girls from Mahanga hairdressing and makeup, said the trainees “did very well” and were among the best in her shop.
Another trainer, Mrs. Felicia Jidahuna from Barkin Ladi, who trained three youths in hairdressing for over a year, said the programme had brought “so much joy” to the community.
“There are many people who can help but do not. We thank God for this NGO,” she added.
From Kaduna State, Gwazel Barnabas, a furniture-making trainee who has spent over a year in a three-year programme, said the training had transformed his life and prayed for God’s blessings on the organisation.
Another Kaduna beneficiary, Ruth Payious, who learned tailoring for one year and three months, said she now sews clothes for herself and children in her neighbourhood.
“Even the cloth I’m wearing is a product of the RURCON programme,” she said after receiving her sewing machine.
A computer trainee, Patrick Marcus Elia from Hurum in Barkin Ladi, who completed a three-month diploma and received a laptop, said the support had improved both his education and income.
“I use it for my assignments and small jobs I get paid for. It has made my work easier,” he said.
RURCON said the entrepreneurship support forms one arm of a multi-layered intervention which also includes trauma healing for church leaders, and peacebuilding training for security actors in affected communities.
