QUOTES FROM BENEFICIARIES

 

  

SOCIETY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTS TO BOOST INTEREST OF YOUTHS IN FARMING

“We Are Now Productive”

Hello, Luka James is my name. I am 17 years from Kayache, a community with a population of about 2000 people. The people of my community are mostly farmers and they grow maize, corn, yam and plantain.

In the past only our parents go to farm and work, while the youths go to attend social gatherings and sometimes go for visits to our friends in the neighboring communities, not giving much priority to supporting our parents with either domestic chores or farm work.When SCD came to our community, they organized us into an Activista group and trained us on how to mobilize ourselves as change agents to support in strengthening the existing structures in our community towards developing it in different ways. In each community in my local Government Area where [SCD] is working, there are two [2] activista members who report directly to the organization on the successes and challenges of these structures and how we have supported in solving issues as the activista members.

In my community, I got involved in enlightening our fellow youths, alongside a few of my peers, on the need to get ourselves involved in farming activities on our parents farms, especially after school hours and on weekends, and seeking ways on how to improve the farming system towards greater farm productivity. We formed ourselves into the YOUNG FARMERS CLUB.

From the outset, only 5 youths embraced the idea because most of them felt it was a taboo for a young person to go to farm; to them, farming is meant for the Old. However, gradually others began to join because we kept moving forward and our parents and SCD gave us every support we needed. We became useful to them and to our community; farm produce increased interestingly, more income was generated, our club became a cynosure in the community as we met regularly, encouraged group savings and supported ourselves whenever the need arose.

Now, most household in my community can boast of having a young farmer supporter, who contributes to feeding and income generation for the family. Thanks to SCD and Actionaid for helping to form the Activista, a pre-shoot of our Young Farmers Club.

 

 

 

  “It was a victory for women emancipation in my community”

“My name is Kande Tanko. I am 40 years old with 5 children, from Jiwa community of about 3500 people in population, I was a Deputy Speaker in the Supreme Parliament of the Area council [AMAC] in the Federal Capital Territory. I did my primary and secondary education in my community JIWA and obtained my NCE certificate at the college of Education. I am a farmer and I grow perishable items like tomatoes and cabbages. Each month I sell 10 bags of the produce to support my family and pay my children’s school fees and keep the rest of the produce for consumption. My husband works with a construction company and earns N20, 000 which he uses for house keep purposes and then save some to support me in the next farming season.  

In the past 4 years I have had interest in politics but women in my community lived in total seclusion because we are not allowed to be voted or vote for our right choices, this issue has discouraged a lot of women from coming out to vote during elections and has made the process to be rigged every time as the position of the men as the heads of the households is supposedly unquestionable and we did not have education on how to solve this problem. In-fact, our husbands tells us who to vote for and who not to, we had no choice but to obey. Now we know the Truth!

SCD in collaboration with Actionaid trained  about 30 women in my community on how to organize ourselves and contest for elective positions, how to cast our votes rightly and for their choices, how to check voters register, what to do on election day, why our votes are very important, how to prevent election conflicts and how to influence our husbands positively. SCD also trained the participants on peace and trust building to ensure peace in our community. Though our men were not ready to let go of the usual practice, however with much sensitization by SCD vis-a-vis consultations with the elders of the community; WE FOUND OUR VOICES (women).

Owing to my active roles in community mobilization and rights advocacy; my community members requested that I represent them at the Area Council level for the position of Councillor. Indeed, the election was a reflection of our resolve to be heard; over 2500 women came out to vote during elections and vote for their right choices.  I yielded the call for service to my people and Yes; I won! I won. Now, at the Area council, with boldness, I opted for the position of Deputy Speaker, I got it. This was about the first time a female has ever won such an extolled position in my community. It was a victory for women emancipation in my community.  I advocate on behalf of my people for good roads, improved farming system, good schools, hospitals and adequate drugs,

 income generating activities for women etc. and I am happy that I attained a position that enabled me influence policy decisions towards developing my community.

  I want to appreciate  Society for Community Development (SCD) for the trainings and encouragements they gave us, the women of my community, to boldly and actively participate in politics. This has helped to improve the lives of about 2000 women in my community in terms of Self Esteem, Confidence & Bold Aspirations.

Thank you SCD for this great support.

 

AISHA BELLO - Leading The Edge: Becomes A Community Leader (JIWA COMMUNITY, Abuja Municipal Area Council)

My name is Aisha Bello, I am a 56 years old farmer and Politician. A widow of eleven children and several grand children. Today I have risen to prominence in my community by the grace of God as the MAGAAJIA OF ANGWA HAUSAWA in the Jiwa community. I didn’t rise to this enviable position in just one day. I used to be very timid, always in my compound not being able to associate or  speak in the public until I started attending the peer education sessions, which SCD introduced in our community, and got exposed through the lessons shared on women empowerment and the need for involvement in decision making. But gradually, I started finding my voice, gained confidence and discovered that I had innate leadership qualities which I had never put to use.

“before now, I am always afraid to speak in the public for fear of been laughed at”

With my zest during the peer education sessions, I gradually became a voice which people wanted to listen to; an influencer and a figure people seek to solve their problems. I can now communicate in public effectively, mobilize women to achieve a task and due to my various activities at the community level, I was appointed by the Community head and the COUNCIL OF CHIEFS as the Magaajia to lead my Angwa (Hausawa) with the responsibilities of mobilizing

  the people, especially the women, take charge of women issues, settle disputes and coordinate the entire women in the Angwa. Thank you SCD for helping me discover myself.

 

 

REBECCA JOHN -   EMPOWERED TO EMPOWER      (GAUBE COMMUNITY, Kuje Area Council)

My name is Rebecca John; I am a 32 years old farmer, mother of 7 children and married to a local school teacher. I used to be very withdrawn, always spending my time indoors but with the introduction of the Peer Education lessons, where I learnt about personal development, building family and community relationships, economic empowerment and other life changing topics, I started interacting with my environment with my increased level of confidence. Now, I know my rights, I now teach other women in my Angwa [ community ] as a Peer Education Facilitator. Before, I cannot sell my farm products, since I don’t have any numeric skills but now I know how to calculate my proceeds and use my little funds to make greater profits. SCD opened my eyes to see; I now know how to dress well to impress my husband. Before now, I could not read or write but since I started attending the adult literacy class and the peer education sessions, I can now read communicate and write. Now, if anyone buys something, they cannot inflate the  price, I will ask them for receipt. I now know how to control my family, organize people in my community; God will help me to control an Area Council. I am now looking very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCD supports ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

 

 

“I make up to N15, 000 monthly” (LEI-LEI GWARI COMMUNITY, Kwali Area Council)

 

My name is Asabe Sally. I am 31 years old, have been married for 9 years and I have two children. I started learning fashion designing where I was before I got married but I could not complete it. With the sewing machine support our community got from SCD; I took advantage of the opportunity to complete my training. Before now, I just remained indoors after spending several hours on my farm but with the available machine, I started going for the training, learnt new skills and acquired more knowledge. Today, I have completed my training and have been able to purchase my own sewing machine. I make up to N15, 000 monthly especially during festive periods. Now, I support my husband with our children’s school fees and every other financial need in the family. I no longer depend solely on my husband for money, I fend for myself. My esteem in the community has increased since I am now a trainer of people and when I talk, people listen to me. I also make more money from those I train as they pay up to N5000 for their 3 years training period. Today, I am a happy mother, a responsible wife and a community influencer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LARABA SHUWAIBU            EARNING CAPACITY DOUBLED

                                                                        (KUCHIBUYI COMMUNITY, Bwari Area Council

I am Laraba Shuwaibu, a 35 years old farmer with 5 children (2 girls and 3 boys). I have been farming for many years on groundnuts, corn and I also sell firewood. With the SCD support to build a community women centre and the provision of sewing and knitting machines; I took advantage of the opportunity by learning how to make clothes. It didn’t take me too long before I completed my training. I am indeed grateful for that opportunity to our community. Before now, I take my clothes out for sewing and mending but I now do it myself. I

also make clothes for other people and earn up to N1, 500 every week. Now, I support my husband with our children’s school fees and other needs of the family. My social esteem has increased tremendously and I am fast become a popular community person; not just as a skill acquisition trainer but also as a teacher. After SCD’s intervention, we went to inform the government that we now have an adult literacy class which led to the employment of a teacher who after sometimes left. Then, since I am a SSCE holder, they requested that I teach the women (temporarily) with a N10, 000 pay monthly. Ten (10) women were initially registered into the adult class; three (3) have graduated now and they teach other people too.

“things have changed; when visitors come to our community now, we can now speak and communicate with them well without fear”

For me, I am happy because I can now afford to send my children to school and they are doing well there. I am also going back for my NCE so that I can have more employability standing and to further help my community’s development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY IBRAHIM - SHARES HER STORY   ALSO SHARES HER STO (KAYACE COMMUNITY)

My name is Happy Ibrahim. I am 20 years old, single from the Gbayigi tribe of Abuja. I finished my secondary school education in 2011 but with an incomplete O- Level result. After this period, I was only giving to farm work, sleeping and eating. Those were periods when I was not productive until I decided to be part of the women empowerment program which SCD helped to facilitate. I was trained by a woman in the community on the use of the Knitting machine. In a short while, I had perfected the skills I learnt. Now I train other people and make up to N1, 500 for one cardigan I make, N500 minimum for head nets and up to N6, 000 for a complete baby clothing kit which comprise of 2 socks, 2 caps,  pants, trousers and a shawl.

 

 

“Now, I earn from the sale of what I produce and support my parents from the income”

I also got employed as an Office Assistant with the SCD since I had acquired a level of education as a school certificate holder. Whenever SCD staff came to our community (Kayace) to sensitize us on advocacy strategies, the need to be educated and others, I always got motivated by the wealth of knowledge they shared. So when the opportunity to join the SCD team as an office assistant came, I became very glad as I saw it as a chance for me to learn more and earn more money to enable me gain admission into a higher institution. Indeed, I am learning a lot. Before now, I used to be very fearful, I had believed that women are only to be seen not heard but since my working with SCD, I have gained confidence. I now read a lot of newspapers in SCD office which has helped me improve on the level of my comprehension. I have also been exposed to lots of people in authority, the Area Councils, Chiefs, Councillors and so on, as I am being sent to distribute letters to them. Respect for me amongst my contemporaries has increased tremendously. I also earn a salary through which I now know how to operate a bank account, support myself and my family with. I am planning to be back to school; I want to study Chemistry so that I could become a renowned Chemist.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY LIFE

 

My name is Jambo Gwarzo; I am 42 years old from Leleyi Gwari community married with two wives and seven children.

In my village we celebrate during a festival called Dambe, which means traditional wrestling. It is a form of boxing associated with wrestling. Historically, Dambe includes a wrestling component but today it is essentially a striking art as this entertainment piece is dominated by the Gwandara tribe butchers cast groups. The contest is mostly among the Gwandara butchers groups drawn from a specific lower caste of the society who were the only ones that can ritually slaughter animals and handle meat as they form their boxing team according to their various rank.

It was also traditionally practiced as a means through which young people meet their partners as the winner of a tournament openly declares his interest to marry a girl and also as a way of getting ready for war.

At the end of the event, these company of boxers  will then run round the community displaying the primary weapon which is the strong- side fist which is known to be the spear as it wrapped in a piece of cloth covered by tightly knotted cord.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHILDREN’S CORNER

“OUR PARENTS NOW KNOW THE EFFICACY OF EDUCATION’’

Hello, Hamza  Ashana is my name from Bassan Jiwa community. I am 14 years old and a primary 4 pupil. At age 9 I used to hawk wares to support my family and did not attend school because my parents probably didn’t see the need to send me to school, since the funds were not even available. We only had enough to feed so we can do our farm work.

However, with SCD’s intervention on education awareness campaign and sensitization vis-à-vis its efficacy; people in my community began to enroll their children in which I was privileged to be among. Things have now changed because over 300 children including girls in my community are now going to school, and we are doing well in our studies.

We thank SCD for showing our parents the way to development through education.

 

SCD SUPPORT TO EDUCATE COMMUNITY PEOPLE ON MALARIA PREVENTION

My name is Yohana James; I am 39 years old and father of 6 from Kilankwa community with a population of about 2700 people. I am a farmer who grows soya beans and sell to support my children school fees and for household consumption.

In the last 2 years, Malaria used to be a major problem we faced in my community and it infected many people especially pregnant women and children and our surroundings were dirty. We relied on herbs and concoctions for cure which often aggravated the situation.  We were adamant about seeking medical attention in the clinic because we taught it would amount to waste of money.

SCD came and distributed treated mosquito nets to people in my community including myself and encouraged us to go for testing and treatment in the hospital the moment we feel the symptoms of malaria which include body weakness, headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, body pains etc.  

Over 400 people now sleep under treated mosquito nets and keep their environments clean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOCIETY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTS TO BOOST INTEREST OF YOUTHS IN FARMING

“We Are Now Productive”

Hello, Luka James is my name. I am 17 years from Kayache, a community with a population of about 2000 people. The people of my community are mostly farmers and they grow maize, corn, yam and plantain.

In the past only our parents go to farm and work, while the youths go to attend social gatherings and sometimes go for visits to our friends in the neighboring communities, not giving much priority to supporting our parents with either domestic chores or farm work.

When SCD came to our community, they organized us into an Activista group and trained us on how to mobilize ourselves as change agents to support in strengthening the existing structures in our community towards developing it in different ways. In each community in my local Government Area where [SCD] is working, there are two [2] activista members who report directly to the organization on the successes and challenges of these structures and how we have supported in solving issues as the activista members.

In my community, I got involved in enlightening our fellow youths, alongside a few of my peers, on the need to get ourselves involved in farming activities on our parents farms, especially after school hours and on weekends, and seeking ways on how to improve the farming system towards greater farm productivity. We formed ourselves into the YOUNG FARMERS CLUB.

From the outset, only 5 youths embraced the idea because most of them felt it was a taboo for a young person to go to farm; to them, farming is meant for the Old. However, gradually others began to join because we kept moving forward and our parents and SCD gave us every support we needed. We became useful to them and to our community; farm produce increased interestingly, more income was generated, our club became a cynosure in the community as we met regularly, encouraged group savings and supported ourselves whenever the need arose.

Now, most household in my community can boast of having a young farmer supporter, who contributes to feeding and income generation for the family. Thanks to SCD and Actionaid for helping to form the Activista, a pre-shoot of our Young Farmers Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOCIETY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTS WOMEN LEADERSHIP & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

“It was a victory for women emancipation in my community”

“My name is Kande Tanko. I am 40 years old with 5 children, from Jiwa community of about 3500 people in population, I was a Deputy Speaker in the Supreme Parliament of the Area council [AMAC] in the Federal Capital Territory. I did my primary and secondary education in my community JIWA and obtained my NCE certificate at the college of Education. I am a farmer and I grow perishable items like tomatoes and cabbages. Each month I sell 10 bags of the produce to support my family and pay my children’s school fees and keep the rest of the produce for consumption. My husband works with a construction company and earns N20, 000 which he uses for house keep purposes and then save some to support me in the next farming season.  

In the past 4 years I have had interest in politics but women in my community lived in total seclusion because we are not allowed to be voted or vote for our right choices, this issue has discouraged a lot of women from coming out to vote during elections and has made the process to be rigged every time as the position of the men as the heads of the households is supposedly unquestionable and we did not have education on how to solve this problem. In-fact, our husbands tells us who to vote for and who not to, we had no choice but to obey. Now we know the Truth!

SCD in collaboration with Actionaid trained  about 30 women in my community on how to organize ourselves and contest for elective positions, how to cast our votes rightly and for their choices, how to check voters register, what to do on election day, why our votes are very important, how to prevent election conflicts and how to influence our husbands positively. SCD also trained the participants on peace and trust building to ensure peace in our community. Though our men were not ready to let go of the usual practice, however with much sensitization by SCD vis-a-vis consultations with the elders of the community; WE FOUND OUR VOICES (women).

Owing to my active roles in community mobilization and rights advocacy; my community members requested that I represent them at the Area Council level for the position of Councillor. Indeed, the election was a reflection of our resolve to be heard; over 2500 women came out to vote during elections and vote for their right choices.  I yielded the call for service to my people and Yes; I won! I won. Now, at the Area council, with boldness, I opted for the position of Deputy Speaker, I got it. This was about the first time a female has ever won such an extolled position in my community. It was a victory for women emancipation in my community.  I advocate on behalf of my people for good roads, improved farming system, good schools, hospitals and adequate drugs,

 income generating activities for women etc. and I am happy that I attained a position that enabled me influence policy decisions towards developing my community.

 

 

I want to appreciate  Society for Community Development (SCD) for the trainings and encouragements they gave us, the women of my community, to boldly and actively participate in politics. This has helped to improve the lives of about 2000 women in my community in terms of Self Esteem, Confidence & Bold Aspirations.

Thank you SCD for this great support.

 

AISHA BELLO - Leading The Edge: Becomes A Community Leader (JIWA COMMUNITY, Abuja Municipal Area Council)

My name is Aisha Bello, I am a 56 years old farmer and Politician. A widow of eleven children and several grand children. Today I have risen to prominence in my community by the grace of God as the MAGAAJIA OF ANGWA HAUSAWA in the Jiwa community. I didn’t rise to this enviable position in just one day. I used to be very timid, always in my compound not being able to associate or  speak in the public until I started attending the peer education sessions, which SCD introduced in our community, and got exposed through the lessons shared on women empowerment and the need for involvement in decision making. But gradually, I started finding my voice, gained confidence and discovered that I had innate leadership qualities which I had never put to use.

“before now, I am always afraid to speak in the public for fear of been laughed at”

With my zest during the peer education sessions, I gradually became a voice which people wanted to listen to; an influencer and a figure people seek to solve their problems. I can now communicate in public effectively, mobilize women to achieve a task and due to my various activities at the community level, I was appointed by the Community head and the COUNCIL OF CHIEFS as the Magaajia to lead my Angwa (Hausawa) with the responsibilities of mobilizing

 

 

the people, especially the women, take charge of women issues, settle disputes and coordinate the entire women in the Angwa. Thank you SCD for helping me discover myself.

 

 

 

REBECCA JOHN -   EMPOWERED TO EMPOWER

     (GAUBE COMMUNITY, Kuje Area Council)

My name is Rebecca John; I am a 32 years old farmer, mother of 7 children and married to a local school teacher. I used to be very withdrawn, always spending my time indoors but with the introduction of the Peer Education lessons, where I learnt about personal development, building family and community relationships, economic empowerment and other life changing topics, I started interacting with my environment with my increased level of confidence. Now, I know my rights, I now teach other women in my Angwa [ community ] as a Peer Education Facilitator. Before, I cannot sell my farm products, since I don’t have any numeric skills but now I know how to calculate my proceeds and use my little funds to make greater profits. SCD opened my eyes to see; I now know how to dress well to impress my husband. Before now, I could not read or write but since I started attending the adult literacy class and the peer education sessions, I can now read communicate and write. Now, if anyone buys something, they cannot inflate the  price, I will ask them for receipt. I now know how to control my family, organize people in my community; God will help me to control an Area Council. I am now looking very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCD supports ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

 

 

 

“I make up to N15, 000 monthly” (LEI-LEI GWARI COMMUNITY, Kwali Area Council)

 

My name is Asabe Sally. I am 31 years old, have been married for 9 years and I have two children. I started learning fashion designing where I was before I got married but I could not complete it. With the sewing machine support our community got from SCD; I took advantage of the opportunity to complete my training. Before now, I just remained indoors after spending several hours on my farm but with the available machine, I started going for the training, learnt new skills and acquired more knowledge. Today, I have completed my training and have been able to purchase my own sewing machine. I make up to N15, 000 monthly especially during festive periods. Now, I support my husband with our children’s school fees and every other financial need in the family. I no longer depend solely on my husband for money, I fend for myself. My esteem in the community has increased since I am now a trainer of people and when I talk, people listen to me. I also make more money from those I train as they pay up to N5000 for their 3 years training period. Today, I am a happy mother, a responsible wife and a community influencer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LARABA SHUWAIBU            EARNING CAPACITY DOUBLED

                                                                        (KUCHIBUYI COMMUNITY, Bwari Area Council

I am Laraba Shuwaibu, a 35 years old farmer with 5 children (2 girls and 3 boys). I have been farming for many years on groundnuts, corn and I also sell firewood. With the SCD support to build a community women centre and the provision of sewing and knitting machines; I took advantage of the opportunity by learning how to make clothes. It didn’t take me too long before I completed my training. I am indeed grateful for that opportunity to our community. Before now, I take my clothes out for sewing and mending but I now do it myself. I

also make clothes for other people and earn up to N1, 500 every week. Now, I support my husband with our children’s school fees and other needs of the family. My social esteem has increased tremendously and I am fast become a popular community person; not just as a skill acquisition trainer but also as a teacher. After SCD’s intervention, we went to inform the government that we now have an adult literacy class which led to the employment of a teacher who after sometimes left. Then, since I am a SSCE holder, they requested that I teach the women (temporarily) with a N10, 000 pay monthly. Ten (10) women were initially registered into the adult class; three (3) have graduated now and they teach other people too.

“things have changed; when visitors come to our community now, we can now speak and communicate with them well without fear”

For me, I am happy because I can now afford to send my children to school and they are doing well there. I am also going back for my NCE so that I can have more employability standing and to further help my community’s development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY IBRAHIM - SHARES HER STORY   ALSO SHARES HER STO (KAYACE COMMUNITY)

My name is Happy Ibrahim. I am 20 years old, single from the Gbayigi tribe of Abuja. I finished my secondary school education in 2011 but with an incomplete O- Level result. After this period, I was only giving to farm work, sleeping and eating. Those were periods when I was not productive until I decided to be part of the women empowerment program which SCD helped to facilitate. I was trained by a woman in the community on the use of the Knitting machine. In a short while, I had perfected the skills I learnt. Now I train other people and make up to N1, 500 for one cardigan I make, N500 minimum for head nets and up to N6, 000 for a complete baby clothing kit which comprise of 2 socks, 2 caps,  pants, trousers and a shawl.

 

 

“Now, I earn from the sale of what I produce and support my parents from the income”

I also got employed as an Office Assistant with the SCD since I had acquired a level of education as a school certificate holder. Whenever SCD staff came to our community (Kayace) to sensitize us on advocacy strategies, the need to be educated and others, I always got motivated by the wealth of knowledge they shared. So when the opportunity to join the SCD team as an office assistant came, I became very glad as I saw it as a chance for me to learn more and earn more money to enable me gain admission into a higher institution. Indeed, I am learning a lot. Before now, I used to be very fearful, I had believed that women are only to be seen not heard but since my working with SCD, I have gained confidence. I now read a lot of newspapers in SCD office which has helped me improve on the level of my comprehension. I have also been exposed to lots of people in authority, the Area Councils, Chiefs, Councillors and so on, as I am being sent to distribute letters to them. Respect for me amongst my contemporaries has increased tremendously. I also earn a salary through which I now know how to operate a bank account, support myself and my family with. I am planning to be back to school; I want to study Chemistry so that I could become a renowned Chemist.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY LIFE

 

My name is Jambo Gwarzo; I am 42 years old from Leleyi Gwari community married with two wives and seven children.

In my village we celebrate during a festival called Dambe, which means traditional wrestling. It is a form of boxing associated with wrestling. Historically, Dambe includes a wrestling component but today it is essentially a striking art as this entertainment piece is dominated by the Gwandara tribe butchers cast groups. The contest is mostly among the Gwandara butchers groups drawn from a specific lower caste of the society who were the only ones that can ritually slaughter animals and handle meat as they form their boxing team according to their various rank.

It was also traditionally practiced as a means through which young people meet their partners as the winner of a tournament openly declares his interest to marry a girl and also as a way of getting ready for war.

At the end of the event, these company of boxers  will then run round the community displaying the primary weapon which is the strong- side fist which is known to be the spear as it wrapped in a piece of cloth covered by tightly knotted cord.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHILDREN’S CORNER

“OUR PARENTS NOW KNOW THE EFFICACY OF EDUCATION’’

Hello, Hamza  Ashana is my name from Bassan Jiwa community. I am 14 years old and a primary 4 pupil. At age 9 I used to hawk wares to support my family and did not attend school because my parents probably didn’t see the need to send me to school, since the funds were not even available. We only had enough to feed so we can do our farm work.

However, with SCD’s intervention on education awareness campaign and sensitization vis-à-vis its efficacy; people in my community began to enroll their children in which I was privileged to be among. Things have now changed because over 300 children including girls in my community are now going to school, and we are doing well in our studies.

We thank SCD for showing our parents the way to development through education.

 

SCD SUPPORT TO EDUCATE COMMUNITY PEOPLE ON MALARIA PREVENTION

My name is Yohana James; I am 39 years old and father of 6 from Kilankwa community with a population of about 2700 people. I am a farmer who grows soya beans and sell to support my children school fees and for household consumption.

In the last 2 years, Malaria used to be a major problem we faced in my community and it infected many people especially pregnant women and children and our surroundings were dirty. We relied on herbs and concoctions for cure which often aggravated the situation.  We were adamant about seeking medical attention in the clinic because we taught it would amount to waste of money.

SCD came and distributed treated mosquito nets to people in my community including myself and encouraged us to go for testing and treatment in the hospital the moment we feel the symptoms of malaria which include body weakness, headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, body pains etc.  

Over 400 people now sleep under treated mosquito nets and keep their environments clean.