The Katsina government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is embarking on a commendable initiative known as the Reaching and Empowering Adolescent Girls in Northwest Nigeria (REACH) project.
This project, conducted in partnership with the state government and UNICEF, aims to make a positive impact in Rimi, Mani, and Katsina LGAs by enrolling girls in various programs.
In the initial phase of this initiative, the focus is on reaching out to 1,395 girls aged 10 to 19. The primary goal is to provide them with valuable life skills that can significantly contribute to their personal development and well-being.
A notable aspect of the plan is the commitment to mentor and train 4,000 out-of-school girls in vocational skills.
Kabir Nadada, the focal person for the girl child education and child development department at UNICEF, shared insights into this endeavor during an interview on Friday.
According to Nadada, girls aged 15 to 19 will be targeted for vocational skills training, while those aged 10 to 14 will be given the opportunity to access formal education.
This dual approach acknowledges the diverse needs of adolescent girls and tailors the intervention accordingly.
The decision to initiate this program was prompted by the identification of 8,750 girls, as reported by the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMs), who were documented as out-of-school adolescent girls in the state.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Katsina government and UNICEF joined forces to address this issue.
Nadada elaborated on the multifaceted goals of the program, highlighting the aim to enhance girls’ knowledge, nutrition, and menstrual health hygiene.
Additionally, the program seeks to foster increased awareness and support within communities for the rights of the girl child to education.
A crucial aspect of the initiative is its commitment to survivor-centered services and the prevention of violence and harmful practices.
Nadada emphasized the program’s outreach efforts, which have already engaged approximately 4,000 community members through dialogue, community-based structures, and mentorship aimed at supporting social behavioral change interventions.
In essence, the REACH project stands as a comprehensive and impactful initiative, addressing the educational and vocational needs of adolescent girls in Northwest Nigeria, with a broader vision of promoting awareness, support, and holistic well-being within communities.
