The Centre for Community Action for Peace and Development (CCAPAD) a Jos based NGO has trained 60 youth in various skills aquisation programs aimed at deradicalasing from four communities of Jos North Local Government Area of Plate.
Performing the graduation and presentation of starter packs to the beneficiaries , Mr Ahmed Salihu, the Executive Director of the organisation explained that the iniative was supported by the European Union through the British Council’s Agent for Citizen-Driven Transformation (ACT).
According to him, the gesture was part of its project titled ”Strengthening the Culture of Resilience Among Children and Youth in Jos”.
He further explained that the project was implemented alongside three other organisations, namely; Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria (CEPAN), Community Aid Workers Initiative (CAWI) and Gangare Youth Forum (GYF).
The beneficiaries are drawn from Bauchi road, Anguwan Rukuba, Anguwan Jarawa and Naraguta communities, all in Jos North LGA.
”As part of this project, we have trained 60 youth from four communities on various skills and we are here today to present them with starter packs and cash support.
”These beneficiaries are largely direct victims of the various Jos crisis and so the project is aimed at addressing the conflict consequences.
”Some of the beneficiaries are youth that are out of school, drug addicts and those who are into prostitution and all kind of vices.
”So, we brought these youth together and first deradicalise them, made them select the kind of skill they want and we funded it,”he said.
He added that the rationale behind the project is to make the beneficiaries self sufficient and economically viable, adding that such move would promote peace and tranquility in the society.
”We believe that by doing so, are will pull out these beneficiaries of the street and make them better persons.
”That once they are can earn a living and support their loved ones, it will be difficult for anyone to induce them with money to indulge in crime,”Salihu added.
He further said that the beneficiaries were trained in the areas of shoe making, hairdressing, inetrio decoration, petty trading, cosmetology, among others.
He, however, warned the beneficiaries against selling the items donated to them, adding that one found doing so would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
One of the beneficiaries, Faiza Ja’far, who is physically challenged, thanked the organisation for the gesture, adding that it would enable her fend for herself and support her family.
Ja’far, who is suffering from sight defect, said she never allowed her physical impairedment to affect her dream of becoming a great person in the society.