The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative has trained girls with disabilities in vocational skills aimed at promoting economic independence and improving their future opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The programme, sponsored by the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum, was held at Junior Secondary School Paseli in Kuje Area Council, where the students were equipped with practical skills including catering, cosmetology, hairdressing and tailoring.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Executive Director of the organisation, Patience Dickson, said the initiative was designed to ensure girls with disabilities acquire practical skills while still in school so they can become self-reliant after graduation.
She explained that the programme aims to prepare the girls for the future by equipping them with skills that can provide a reliable source of livelihood.
“The goal of this project is to empower girls with disabilities in the school system by equipping them with vocational skills so that when they leave school they will have something to depend on,” Dickson said.
She added that the project also focuses on empowering the girls economically while addressing gender-based violence and other challenges faced by girls with disabilities.
The Director-Principal of Junior Secondary School Paseli, Richard Ubume, described the programme as a valuable intervention that has equipped the students with lifelong skills.
“This is the first time I am witnessing an organisation that has come to practically empower students with challenges, especially girls. The skills they have acquired today are lifelong skills that will help them even outside school,” he said.
A representative of the Universal Basic Education Board, Mohammad Maikano, also commended the programme, noting that it complements government efforts to promote inclusive education.
Some of the participants expressed optimism that the training would help them become financially independent.
One of the beneficiaries, Cecilia Omini, who was trained in catering, said she plans to start her own business and also teach other girls the skills she learned.
Another participant, Yusuf, who received training in cosmetology, said he had already started practising the skills at home and using the income to support his transportation to school.
The organisers also presented empowerment items including sewing machines and other tools to help the graduates begin small businesses.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, cake cutting and dance performances as the participants celebrated the completion of the training and thanked the sponsors for supporting the programme.