Empowering Futures: Katsina's Ambitious Initiative to Train and Mentor 4,000 Out-of-School Girls

The Katsina government has finalized plans to mentor and train 4,000 out-of-school girls in vocational skills. Kabir Nadada, the focal person for the girl child education and child development department at UNICEF, revealed this in an interview on Friday.

Girls in the LGAs of Rimi, Mani, and Katsina will be enrolled in the program, which is being carried out in collaboration with the state government and UNICEF as part of the Reaching and Empowering Adolescent Girls in Northwest Nigeria (REACH) project.

The first phase of this ambitious initiative will target 1,395 girls, providing them with valuable life skills that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. By focusing on vocational skills, the program aims to equip these young minds with practical knowledge that not only fosters personal development but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The collaboration with UNICEF underscores the commitment of both the international organization and the Katsina state government to prioritize the education and empowerment of adolescent girls. UNICEF, a global advocate for children’s rights and well-being, brings its expertise to the project, enhancing its impact and reach.

The initiative’s focal person, Kabir Nadada, highlighted the critical need to address the girl child education gap in Katsina. By targeting out-of-school girls, the program directly addresses one of the root causes of gender disparity in education. The goal is not only to bring these girls back into the educational fold but also to provide them with practical skills that can enhance their employability and overall life prospects.

The program’s emphasis on life skills training goes beyond traditional education. Girls participating in the initiative will not only acquire vocational skills but also gain knowledge in areas such as financial literacy, communication, and health. This holistic approach aims to mold well-rounded individuals capable of navigating various aspects of life confidently.

The first phase targets 1,395 girls, aged 10 to 19, aiming to equip them with valuable life skills.

“Girls of age 15 to 19 would be trained on vocational skills and those of 10 to 14 would be provided the opportunity to have access to formal education,” Nadada said.

“A total of 8,750 girls as reported using the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMs) had been verified and documented as out-of-school adolescent girls in the state.

“This drew our attention for prompt action.”

Nadada explained that the goal of the programme is to increase girls’ knowledge, nutrition and menstrual health hygiene; and also encourage communities to demonstrate increased awareness and support for the girl child rights to education.

“The programme will also increase access to survivor-centered services, prevention from violence and harmful practices,” he said.

He added that the programme had so far reached about 4,000 community members through dialogue, community-based structure and mentorship to support social behavioural change (SBC) interventions.

Katsina’s initiative to train and mentor 4,000 out-of-school girls is a commendable step towards building a more inclusive and empowered society. By investing in the education and skills development of adolescent girls, the state government and UNICEF are not only addressing immediate educational gaps but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring other regions to prioritize similar efforts in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow for all.