By Nasratu Kargbo
Forum for Rural and Urban Transformation (FoRUT) has supported thirty-five youths, mostly women, with startup kits after they completed training in various skills, in a bid to make them self-employed and self-reliant.
In her statement during presentation of the kits, 7th March 2024, the Executive Director of FoRUT Boi Jeneh Jalloh said it was important that they gave the trainees startup kits to get them up and running.
Speaking on what motivated them to give their beneficiaries the startup kit, Jalloh said that they learnt from the past, where their beneficiaries could not make use of the training and skills they’ve acquired. She explained that when they did follow up to know whether their trainees have been coping well in the industry, they found out that most of them were not getting encouragement. She narrated how some would say their bosses’ shops were full, and they do not have machines or tools to improve on the training they’ve acquired.
With regards how the trainees were selected, she explained that they held meetings with community leaders where they were able to identify youths that were eager to learn a skill but could not do so because of lack of opportunity.
The Director said they decided to do the handing over of the kits on a day before International Women’s Day which is on the 8th, as a way of celebrating the women and girls that have been trained. She said the women are now empowered so they could provide for themselves and their children and family.
She spoke about the essence of empowering women and girls, in order to help the country grow, alluding to this year’s International Women’s Day theme: ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
The FoRUT Director said their initiative is under their livelihood project which is being implemented in Port Loko, Moyamba and Western Area Rural District.
Deputy Director of Education, Western Area Rural District at Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) Nana Bockarie called on the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity, advising them not to sell their startup kit but use them to empower themselves.
Bockarie said she will make sure she monitors them to see whether they are making use of the kits, and was hopeful that with the skills they have learnt, they will be able to afford certain things for themselves and their families without asking for help from anyone. “You are now above poverty level”, she said.
The Director expressed appreciation to FoRUT for helping out in the education sector, noting that their work is visible.
One of the beneficiaries Mabinty Kargbo was excited, explaining that before now she had to hustle on the streets doing different things just to take care of herself.
Kargbo stated that with the skills learnt and sewing machine given to her, she will live a better life together with her family, and get off the streets.
The beneficiaries were from both genders; however most of them are young mothers with babies and toddlers, whilst others are pregnant girls. They were trained in various skills such as welding, hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry and catering.
They were drawn from Tombo, Gloucester and Kissy Town communities.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (11/03/24)
