Empowering Communities: Alkali Hussaini Foundation In Collaboration With Ummah Islamic Foundation Conducted Two-Week Intensive Training Program In Four Skills Areas

In April 2024, the Alkali Hussaini Foundation, in collaboration with Ummah Islamic Foundation, hosted a transformative two-week intensive training program aimed at enhancing the skills and economic self-reliance of community members. This program, which ran from April 22 to May 6, 2024, covered four vital areas: Tailoring, Baking and Confectionary, Cooking, and Cosmetology. The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills to help them start their own small-scale businesses and thrive even in challenging economic conditions.

The Foundation’s Commitment to Skills Development

The Alkali Hussaini Foundation has long been committed to empowering communities through educational and economic initiatives. In line with it’s mission, the two-week training was program aimed to provide participants with skills that not only meet contemporary standards but also utilize locally available materials to create value.

To ensure the program’s success, thorough planning and preparation were carried out, which included securing the necessary materials and facilities. Qualified resource persons were engaged to deliver both theoretical and practical training. The foundation placed a strong emphasis on modern techniques, ensuring that participants were not only trained in traditional methods but also exposed to current trends and innovations in each skill area.

Diverse Training Areas for Holistic Skill Development

The program was divided into four main areas, each essential for self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success:

1.Tailoring: Participants learned how to create well-designed clothing using both modern and local materials. Emphasis was placed on producing high-quality, durable garments that can be made economically, making it ideal for starting a small tailoring business.

2. Baking and Confectionery: This module focused on the art of baking, from preparing simple bread to more elaborate cakes and pastries. Participants were taught how to use locally available ingredients creatively to produce high-quality baked goods that could be sold in local markets or online.

3. Cooking: Practical cooking sessions equipped participants with the knowledge to prepare nutritious and marketable dishes. The training covered everything from basic meal preparation to creating gourmet recipes that can serve local and regional demand.

4.Cosmetology: In this area, participants learned about skincare and beauty treatments, including haircare, makeup, and grooming. The program also highlighted how to make beauty products using affordable and natural ingredients, a skill that could be monetized in local beauty markets.

Hands-On Approach to Learning

The training was structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The resource persons delivered lectures on techniques, materials, and trends before allowing participants to put their learning into action. This hands-on approach gave participants the opportunity to create their own pieces in each of the four fields, providing them with a tangible sense of achievement and confidence in their abilities.

The training was held in a supportive environment, where participants could freely ask questions, experiment with new methods, and receive constructive feedback. Even those who joined the training later were given additional support and guidance to ensure they were on track to complete the program successfully.

The Impact of the Program

One of the key goals of the training was to ensure that participants could apply the skills learned to create small-scale businesses. The Alkali Hussaini Foundation aimed to show participants that with the right training and a small capital investment, they could start earning from their newly acquired skills. The results were overwhelmingly positive. Participants were not only able to grasp the core concepts of their respective fields, but many also demonstrated proficiency in applying the knowledge gained.

As the program came to a close, the participants were not only more confident in their abilities but also equipped with a clearer path to self-sufficiency. This two-week training not only addressed immediate skill gaps but also inspired participants to think more broadly about how they could become contributors to their communities’ economic growth.

Celebrating Achievements: The Closing Ceremony

The culmination of the program took place on May 6, 2024, during a formal closing ceremony held at the Foundation’s main hall. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the proprietor of the Alkali Hussaini Foundation, Hajiya Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, and representatives from the Kebbi State Ministry of Higher Education.

In her speech, the Executive Director of the Alkali Hussaini Foundation expressed gratitude to the participants and praised their hard work. The chairperson of the foundation also encouraged participants to continue on their entrepreneurial journey and to stay engaged in productive ventures. The Director of Higher Education for Kebbi State shared a message of hope, urging participants to continue developing their skills and striving for self-reliance.

One of the most significant acknowledgments came from the Alkali Hussaini Foundation’s board members, who thanked Ummah Islamic Foundation for sponsoring the training. Their support, which covered both participant fees and material costs, played a crucial role in the program’s success. Certificates of participation were awarded to all trainees, marking their completion of the intensive course and their readiness to take the next steps toward self-reliance.

Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Future Training

The Alkali Hussaini Foundation’s commitment to ongoing education and capacity-building was evident in the offer for participants to return for proficiency training or to learn additional skills. This open door policy ensures that the program’s impact will be long-lasting, and participants will continue to benefit from the foundation’s resources.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Alkali Hussaini Foundation and Ummah Islamic Foundation provided a vital opportunity for community members to enhance their skills, pursue entrepreneurship, and become self-reliant. As the world faces economic challenges, initiatives like this are crucial in creating sustainable economic opportunities and empowering individuals to thrive in their communities. The success of this training program is a testament to the importance of collaboration, practical learning, and a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.