UNICEF Empowers Zazzau Youths
During the graduation ceremony held at the Emir of Zazzau’s palace on Wednesday, Wilfred Mamah, a representative of UNICEF, articulated that the training initiative was designed to address the discrimination, violence, and neglect endured by children in the region.
Mamah emphasized that, with the backing of its partners, UNICEF has empowered 3,760 girls and boys in Kaduna since 2022.
He explained that the training in tailoring, as well as bag and shoe-making, commenced three months ago with the intention of equipping the children with skills to overcome vulnerabilities and poverty.
“No society can claim to be developed if its girls and women are marginalized and incapacitated. We must unite in our efforts to alter this narrative,” he stated.
“Today, we are overjoyed to witness their successful graduation with professional skills in the highly coveted fields of shoe and bag-making. This reaffirms that change is attainable and that no barriers are insurmountable when opportunity meets dedication.”
He highlighted that up to 104,193 adolescent girls and 209,950 Almajiri are in urgent need of protection, as many find themselves on the streets, out-of-school, with minimal means of survival.
He urged the Zaria Local Government chairman and legislators representing the area at both the state and national assemblies to intervene and support UNICEF in empowering more children.
Mamah expressed gratitude to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Zaria local government, and Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, for championing the cause of child protection in the state.
“The COVID pandemic has brought to the forefront the heightened vulnerability of street children, particularly Almajiri and adolescent girls who lack parental support and care,” he remarked.
“In our dialogue with the Emir of Zazzau (Ahmed Bamalli) on 21 November 2022 regarding the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, with an aim to reform the Almajiri system, His Royal Highness underscored the necessity of engaging community leaders and shared new perspectives on what it means to be ‘out-of-school’ and literate.
“His Royal Highness pointed out that Almajiri children are not inherently out-of-school or illiterate. The ability to memorize the Qur’an signifies a high capacity for learning.”
The Emir lauded UNICEF for their investment in children, affirming that the community would continue to support the organization in executing their mission effectively.
“Allow me to convey my delight in this remarkable investment you have made in our children,” he expressed. “The support and contributions of UNICEF to our community are invaluable. We appreciate your efforts in aiding our community, and we will persist in our support of your endeavors.”
