Empowering Young Ones Through The HA! Program
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A ground-breaking project aimed at redefining education and empowering secondary school leavers is underway in the heart of Edo State. The HA! Program, an acronym for Holiday and After School, stands as an opportunity for young individuals transitioning from formal education to practical skill acquisition. Launched under the auspices of the DuFEdu Initiative in collaboration with the DufSkiIITech Initiative, this program is designed to address the pressing challenges faced by youth while fostering personal growth beyond traditional academic pursuits.
Edo State, like many regions, grapples with high youth unemployment rates and the need for market-relevant skills. The HA! Program aims to bridge this gap by empowering 500 secondary school leavers annually, with a deliberate focus on achieving 60% female and 40% male participation. This gender-inclusive approach not only promotes equity but also recognises all participants’ unique contributions and talents.
The foundational pillars of the HA! Program are built on the principles of empowerment, economic growth, and gender equality. By equipping young individuals with essential skills, the program seeks to:
- Empower Youth: Provide them with market-relevant skills crucial for today’s competitive job market.
- Reduce Unemployment: Enhance their employability through practical training and internship opportunities.
- Promote Economic Growth: Develop a skilled workforce capable of driving local economic development.
- Foster Gender Equality: Ensure equitable participation and opportunities for both young men and women.
Comprehensive Skill Development
Participants of the HA! Program engage in after-school training sessions focused on a diverse range of skills, from soft skills like critical thinking and communication to digital skills encompassing social media management and graphic designing, and vocational skills such as fashion designing, clothes sewing, shoe making, and more. The curriculum is designed to be replete, integrating formal education with practical, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students not just for jobs, but for successful careers and personal fulfillment.
The HA! Program’s implementation strategy involves establishing training centers across each LGA (Local Government Area) in Edo State, partnering with local schools, and collaborating with expert volunteers and professionals. The curriculum development is meticulously crafted to meet industry standards, ensuring that participants receive training that is relevant and up-to-date. Furthermore, the program includes recruitment drives in schools and communities, ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track progress, and partnerships with organizations like LeverPay.io to facilitate job placements and enhance financial literacy among graduates.
The program spans several phases, beginning with a planning period from June to July, followed by the main training phase from August to November annually. The sustainability of the HA! Program is ensured through its internship placement opportunities during participants’ university years, alumni networks, and ongoing support for career advancement and entrepreneurship.
In the short term, the HA! Program aims to empower 500 youth annually with essential skills, mitigating social vices and idleness among secondary school leavers. Medium-term outcomes include increased job placements, entrepreneurship opportunities, and contributions to local economic growth. Over the long term, the program seeks sustainable continuity, enhanced community safety, and ongoing skills recycling through graduates who become expert trainers and mentors within their communities.
The HA! Program represents more than just a training initiative, it’s a transformative journey towards personal growth, economic empowerment, and community development. Investing in the youth of Edo State, will not only equip them with skills for today but empower them to shape a prosperous future for themselves and their communities. Working together and building a legacy of excellence, opportunity, and inclusivity through education and skill development.
For more information on how to support or participate in the HA! Program, you can contact us on 09165557854 and join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of young Nigerians. Contact us now!
