The Better Life for Children and Women Future Foundation (BLCWFF) has trained and empowered 2000 youths, both male and female, on various vocational skills that would set them free and help them become self-reliant in Kano.
The event, which took place in the famous Bayero University convocation arena, was full of life as thousands of youths, parents, well-wishers, traditional rulers, and government officials graced the momentum gathering, which aimed at improving the lives of women, youths, and children in the state to become economically vibrant.
BLCWFF is a non-governmental organisation established by Hajiya Ambassador Sameera in 2021 for the purpose of supporting women, children, youths, and those with less privilege in society.
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In her address to Daily News 24, The President, Founder and National Coordinator of the Foundation, Hajiya Sameera, thanks Almighty Allah for the privilege bestowed upon her to carry out this giant project of uplifting the lives of thousands in Kano despite the behemoth of economic challenges the country is facing.
She said, “Today is a great day of achievement in BLCWFF, as we give 20 different skills to 1000 youths freely to promote self-reliance and self-actualization among them.”
According to her, the programmes are free of charge. Everybody is entitled to participate as long as you’re a youth, be it male or female, and even people with disabilities (PWDs) are free to participate.
“It is online; you just need to apply, and if you meet some of the criteria, you will automatically be admitted to the programme.”
Ambassador Sameera said that after this graduation ceremony, the students are going for internships in their various skill sectors, which would enhance their knowledge for 6 months to do it better.
Hajiya Sameera revealed that after they had undergone the internship, the “Better Life for Children and Women Future Foundation (BLCWFF) would give them a start-up to start their business.”
“And we are not letting them go entirely; we would continue to couch them and provide consultancy services, mentorship, and follow-up on their activities to make sure they’re truly self-reliant.”
Hajiya Sameera added that this is just the tip of the iceberg; we’re going to train 10,000 youth on various vocational skills that are going to change their lives.
“The door is open for everybody in Kano because we want to add value to 10,000, so we started with 2000 and are now graduating them, and at the same time, we are taking in another 2000 for the next batch. We are going to do it like that until we reach our target,” she said.
When she was asked by Daily News 24 how she sourced the money to fund this huge project, she said, “Actually, I set two businesses aside to do this. I have a rice company; whatever profit comes out of it, we put it into this foundation, and I also have an oil and gas company; we’re into haulage.”
But despite this, Hajiya Sameera therefore calls on the government, individuals, charity organizations, and other aid agencies to come in and partner on her beautiful innovations for saving the youth from societal vices.
“But of course we are calling for the government, individuals, and others to put hands together so that would empower these youths that are already trained for skill acquisition.” Sameera said.
She advised the teaming youths of Kano, “As long as you’re focused and determined to get your goal, you just don’t need to be lazy. You just have to believe in yourself. If I can do it, so can you.”
One of the beneficiaries, who identified herself as Easter, learned make-up and shared with us how happy she is today as she graduated from BLCWFF training.
“I’m very happy because I actually have a lot of love for makeup. I want to grow up to be a very big make-up artist, and I got this offer from BLCWFF. It’s quite okay and affordable. It is free.”
Another beneficiary, Muhammad Ado Ali, thanked Hajiya Sameera for her unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of youth in Kano.
Mufeeda Ibrahim Adam, who learned make-up, described how happy she is today as she was certified as a skilled make-up artist. “I’m really happy today as I become self-reliant.”. She urged other youths to emulate them in acquiring some skills to free themselves from shackle of poverty.
The event was well attended by dignitaries from within and outside Kano.
