Mercy Corps empowers young talent, promotes gender inclusivity
By Oluwafunke Ishola
A global humanitarian organisation, Mercy Corps, has empowered young boys and girls with opportunities to connect with potential employers, enhance their professional skills, and explore diverse career paths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mercy Corps achieved this through its Girls Improving Resilience Through Livelihood and – Health (GIRL- H) programme implemented in Lagos and Kano states from January to December.
GIRL-H programme is dedicated to empowering adolescents and young people through comprehensive support, education, and skills development.
Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, Country Director, Mercy Corps, said this at the GIRL-H Job Fair, Exhibition and Skills Workshops on Wednesday in Lagos.
Anyanwu said that the GIRL-H programme was implemented in five local government areas in Lagos state, namely Alimosho, Epe, Kosofe, Ojo, and Somolu.
“We reached 2,500 adolescent girls and boys within the ages of 10 to 24.
“We work to improve their well-being through increased access to skills and knowledge, health resources, formal education, and economic opportunities,” he said.
He noted that the programme’s objectives were centred around three thematic pillars, namely financial inclusion, social behavioral change and communication, and public-private partnerships.
According to him, public-private partnerships are critical to successful and sustainable programme outcomes.
“One of the outcomes I’m hoping for is that many of you who are the market operators can absorb the talent that we have in this room.
“If there’s one thing about Nigeria that we don’t lack, it’s talent. The youths are the face of the future, and the future is now,” he said.
He noted that the participants were trained on various skills, including fashion designing, baking, hair dressing, crafts, among others.
Anyanwu said that Mercy Corps operated in about 40 countries, began operation in Nigeria in 2012, and Nigeria being its biggest portfolio.
He noted that its intervention centres on food and water security, peace, economic opportunities, with particular attention to issues around gender, and improving livelihoods for women and adolescents.
Similarly, Ms Rosetta Etta, Programme Manager, GIRL-H, said it was a multi-country programme implemented in Nigeria, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.
“We are thrilled with the success of today’s Job Fair and the opportunities it created for our participants.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to empowering young individuals, promoting gender inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment for all.”
Etta said that the event resulted in many participants landing interviews and job offers, propelling them toward successful careers and a supportive community for young professionals.
Commenting, Mrs Rashidat Umar, Deputy-Director, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, commended Mercy Corps for empowering the youth with skills that would enhance their employability, self-independence and financial freedom. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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