Centre Empowers Over 100 Children, Women in Gombe

From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The HANs Center for Social Justice and Development, in partnership with Kanady Academy, has concluded a three-day career and skills development programme aimed at empowering vulnerable children and women across Gombe State.

Speaking at the event, Founder of the HANs Center, Barrister Hannatu Dauda Simon, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with both academic and practical entrepreneurial skills to prepare them for future leadership and economic self-reliance.

“Today we are holding a Career Day organised together with Kanady Academy. Our NGO is deeply concerned about the welfare and rights of vulnerable children. It is our desire to see them grow into responsible and successful leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Barrister Hannatu Simon explained that given the current economic situation in Nigeria, classroom learning alone is no longer sufficient. She stressed the need for young people to acquire hands-on skills that can guarantee sustainable livelihoods.

“We want these children to be fully equipped not only academically but also with entrepreneurial skills. The goal is to help them build sustainable businesses and become self-reliant despite the economic realities we face,” she added.

According to her, the programme brought together 100 young women from different local government areas of Gombe State, few among are students from Kanady Academy, beimg the host school.

Since Wednesday, participants have undergone intensive training sessions handled by professionals drawn from various fields.

The children were trained in shoemaking, bakery, Interior designs, Yohghurt production, Turaren wuta, kilishi roasting, and boutique sales and multistream.

“We invited experts in each field to coach them properly. The level of enthusiasm shown by these children has been impressive. Walking into their classes, you will see them practicing exactly what they have been taught,” she said.

Barrister Simon noted that at the end of the programme, participants would make presentations to showcase the skills learned and how the sessions have shaped their aspirations.

“Even if they complete school without securing well-paying jobs immediately, they will still have skills to rely on. And for those who eventually get formal employment, the skills will serve as an additional source of income,” she noted.

She commended Kanady Academy for hosting the programme and reaffirmed the HANs Center’s commitment to supporting children and young women in building meaningful and productive futures.

Some students who spoke during the workshop expressed joy over the opportunity provided through the HANs Center sponsorship.

They said the training would help them shape their future careers from a young age and give them practical knowledge to support their education.

They also commended Hans Center and Kanady Academy for their foresight and dedication to improving the lives of young people in Gombe State and promised to make good use of the start up pack/ capital given for their businesses.