A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Joy Alkali, has empowered 1,102 women and students in Taraba State through a comprehensive programme focused on vocational skills acquisition, literacy education and Computer-Based Test (CBT) training as part of her Community Development Service (CDS) project.
In addition to the training, the corps member donated school uniforms to 30 students of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, in Jalingo to encourage access to education and reduce the financial burden on parents.
The initiative, carried out under her Better Tomorrow Initiative, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday after participants completed a three-month literacy programme tagged Learning to Read and a one-week intensive training in baking, pastry making and confectionery.
Addressing beneficiaries during the graduation ceremony, Alkali explained that the project was created to provide women and young people with practical skills capable of generating sustainable income, improving self-reliance and promoting community development.
She noted that her desire to make a meaningful contribution to her host community motivated the initiative, adding that empowering women ultimately benefits families, communities and the nation at large.
“Today is not just about celebrating the completion of a programme; it is about celebrating hope, empowerment and a better future for our community.
“We believe that when a woman is empowered, her family is strengthened, her community is transformed and the nation becomes better,” she said.
Alkali encouraged the graduates to make effective use of the knowledge they had acquired by establishing small businesses and sharing their skills with others in their communities.
She explained that the donation of school uniforms formed part of efforts to support the education agenda of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas by making it easier for students to remain in school.
The corps member also expressed appreciation to sponsors, facilitators, volunteers and community leaders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the Better Tomorrow Initiative.
According to her, the true value of the project lies in the positive changes it brings to the lives of beneficiaries and the wider community.
The Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Ella Aji Williams, praised Alkali for executing a project that aligns with the objectives of the NYSC Community Development Service scheme.
Represented at the event by the Head of Community Development Service, Mr. Sunday Wankari, the coordinator also commended the management of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, as well as the Taraba State Government, for providing a peaceful environment that enabled corps members to undertake impactful projects.
Similarly, the NYSC Local Government Inspector, Mr. Lafal Clement, described the initiative as an outstanding example of community service and urged other corps members to implement projects that directly address the needs of their host communities.
“Let this be a reference point for service that truly touches lives,” he said.
The Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Howai, Comrade Abubakar Sanusi, also lauded Alkali for her numerous interventions, describing them as timely and impactful.
According to him, the corps member renovated classroom chalkboards, organised literacy and CBT training sessions, donated school uniforms and carried out several other interventions that have significantly improved learning conditions for students in the school.
