A New Dawn in Katsina

Katsina’s horizon shines brighter with the transformative work of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). A noteworthy number, 95,556 adolescents, now navigate towards a promising future with newfound skills, support, and hope.

Empowering Tomorrow: The Reach Program

According to News Agency of Nigeria, UNICEF’s Reaching and Empowering Adolescent Girls in NorthWest Nigeria (REACH) program has equipped adolescents across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Katsina. Muntaka Muhammad-Mukhtar, UNICEF’s Education Specialist, unveiled how young girls and boys learned financial literacy and various vocational skills — knitting, henna design, and more to forge independent futures.

Champions of Change: Community Engagement

These endeavors align local demands with economic activities, offering a tailor-made skill set to the beneficiaries. Ngozi Izuora-Songu, UNICEF’s Adolescent Development Specialist, emphasized how these opportunities cater to market needs, ensuring the products and talents find demand both locally and in urban centers.

Support Beyond Skills: Healing Hands

UNICEF’s responsibility extends to health care, with medical kits donated across three LGAs for better handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases. Training sessions for local leaders, health workers, and law enforcement ensure a responsive community and protection for vulnerable groups.

Reflections and Realizations: A Collective Effort

The program stirs dialogue and inclusiveness among schools, parents, and educators, drawing insights on overcoming barriers. A platform for reflection and unity among stakeholders has been created, nurturing a community-driven future.

In these efforts, UNICEF not only builds individual capacities but also strengthens the fabric of society, promising a resilient future for the children of Katsina.