NYSC Member Empowers 1,102 Taraba Women, Students Through Skills Training

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Joy Alkali, has empowered 1,102 women and students in Taraba State through vocational training, literacy education and Computer-Based Test (CBT) coaching as part of her Community Development Service (CDS) project. The initiative is designed to promote self-reliance, improve educational opportunities and support community development.

Implemented under the Better Tomorrow Initiative, the project featured a three-month "Learning to Read" literacy programme and a week-long vocational training in baking, pastry and confectionery. Alkali also donated school uniforms to 30 students of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, in Jalingo to encourage school attendance and reduce the financial burden on parents.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Alkali said the initiative was inspired by her desire to leave a lasting impact on her host community by equipping women and young people with practical, income-generating skills. She encouraged beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained by starting small businesses and mentoring others within their communities.

The Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Ella Aji Williams, represented by the Head of Community Development Service, Mr. Sunday Wankari, praised the corps member for executing a project that reflects the objectives of the NYSC scheme. The NYSC Local Government Inspector, Mr. Lafal Clement, also described the initiative as an example of meaningful service and urged other corps members to undertake projects that address pressing community needs.

The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, Comrade Abubakar Sanusi, commended Alkali for renovating classroom chalkboards, introducing reading support and CBT training, and donating school uniforms. He said the interventions had significantly benefited students and expressed hope that similar projects would be replicated in other communities.