WOFAN Trains 300 Students with Disabilities in Bauchi, Boosting Vocational Skills and Self-Reliance

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has empowered 300 students with disabilities at the Special Education Centre, Bauchi, through skills acquisition and vocational training programs. This intervention marks a significant contribution to the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD).

As part of the WOFAN ICON-2 project and the Mastercard Foundation’s We Can Work initiative, the training aligns with efforts to support 1 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) across seven African countries, including Nigeria, under the broader Young Africa Works Strategy. The initiative aims to create dignified employment opportunities for 30 million young Africans.

At the event, Hajiya Asabe Yahaya Muhammad, Principal of the Special Education Centre, commended WOFAN’s impactful support. She noted that vocational departments established at the school, such as tailoring, carpentry, welding, and agriculture, have significantly improved students’ self-reliance. “WOFAN also addressed key infrastructure needs by constructing over 20 toilet and bathroom facilities and drilling a borehole near the female hostel, tackling water supply and open defecation challenges,” she stated.

She further lauded Ambassador Salamatu Garba, WOFAN’s Executive Director, for spearheading the empowerment efforts. “The tailoring department is already making a difference. Some students have started repairing their uniforms, showing how the skills and equipment are yielding immediate results,” Hajiya Asabe added, expressing optimism about repairing a previously functional borehole to sustain water supply.

WOFAN’s Bauchi Team Lead, Shafi’u Haladu Babaji, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to inclusivity for PWDs. “We are equipping these students to compete in the job market and live independently. Recently, we provided specialized tricycles to facilitate mobility and livelihood for physically challenged individuals,” he said, representing Ambassador Salamatu Garba.

Royal Father of the Day, Alhaji Lawal Ahmad, Ward Head of Birshi, celebrated WOFAN’s far-reaching impact on the community. “WOFAN has transformed lives through vocational training and support, including the distribution of tricycles for transporting farm produce. As a token of our appreciation, I conferred the title Jaruma Birshi on Dr. Salamatu Garba,” he announced.

Ali Babayo Gamawa, Permanent Secretary of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, representing the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Muhammad Dahiru, praised WOFAN’s efforts. “This government is committed to improving education for students with special needs. WOFAN’s intervention is a commendable complement to our efforts,” he stated.

The event also featured the distribution of high-quality vocational tools, including sewing machines, welding equipment, and carpentry tools. Sani Umar, a welding instructor, highlighted the usefulness of items such as filing machines, pliers, and welding goggles.

This intervention not only empowers students with disabilities but also exemplifies WOFAN’s dedication to fostering inclusive development. By bridging gaps and creating meaningful opportunities for PWDs, WOFAN continues to champion independence and dignity for marginalized groups.