CITAD hosts Micro-Grant training for Community Networks in Bauchi

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with the support of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), organized a two-day intensive training on micro-grants for organizations in the Itas and Jama’are communities in Bauchi State.

The training, facilitated by the project team, simultaneously took place at both the Itas and Jama’are local government secretariats.

The aim of the training was to expose members of micro-organizations to the fundamentals of business models and their use in sustaining community networks. It also provided an introduction to solar installation and emphasized the importance of repeaters in strengthening the network.

Additionally, the training aimed to enhance collaboration with neighbors and other community stakeholders in the management of community networks.

The program attracted approximately 30 participants from each community, with each community bringing four different settlements to ensure inclusion in the training.

Now in its third year and final phase of implementation, the project aimed to support bridging the connectivity gap through policy advocacy, capacity building, and partnerships. Networking, solar installation and maintenance, and business models were the key areas covered during the training. Trainees engaged in practical sessions on installing and maintaining solar systems, highlighting their relevance to community networks.

Furthermore, the project team under CITAD community network Coordinator Malam Haruna Adamu Hadejia held separate meetings with stakeholders from both Jama’are and Itas, with the objective of identifying potential opportunities that could propel the process forward.

One significant outcome of these meetings was the establishment of a “five-member Community Advisory Committee.” Malam Haruna Hadejia said after the meeting

He also explained that “In addition to the community champions identified a year ago, this committee will provide concrete advice to promote the micro-organizations. They will also update and develop a management committee responsible for creating work plans and implementing initiatives for the micro-organizations.