By Umar Saleh
As part of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) celebrations, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) trained 300 students from the Special Education Center Bauchi in vocational skills aimed at fostering independence.
The WOFAN ICON-2 project equipped the school’s skills acquisition center with modern tools, offering training in tailoring, carpentry, welding, and agriculture. According to Ali Babayo Gamawa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, these efforts complement the government’s drive to improve education for persons with special needs.
Local leader Alhaji Lawan Ahmad praised WOFAN’s founder, Dr. Salamatu Garba, for her community-focused initiatives, emphasizing that the training would significantly reduce unemployment among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
WOFAN also addressed critical infrastructure issues at the school by constructing 20 toilets, drilling a borehole near the female hostel, and establishing four functional vocational departments. The school’s principal, Hajiya Asabe Yahaya Muhammad, noted that students have already begun using their newly acquired skills to repair uniforms and tackle other practical challenges.
Specialized tricycles were distributed to assist physically challenged students, while agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and tractors were provided to help PWDs sustain themselves through farming.
WOFAN Bauchi Team Lead, Shafi’u Haladu Babaji, reiterated the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and skill development, stating, “These initiatives equip students with the tools to thrive in the job market.”
In recognition of her impact, Dr. Salamatu Garba was conferred the honorary title Jarumar Birshi, a testament to her dedication to empowering vulnerable communities.
The event also featured financial inclusion initiatives, with UBA staff member Mr. John Abiabangbee educating beneficiaries on opening bank accounts to improve access to services.
With its interventions, WOFAN has transformed the lives of PWDs in Bauchi, making sustainable strides in education, infrastructure, and empowerment.
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1 comment
Please remember of disability of Adamawa state central