By Augustine Okezie
A two-week Summer Programme for youth from Adamawa state has kicked off at the American University of Nigeria. Declaring the programme open, Mr. Muhammadu Sani Jada, a member of the Grand Alliance for Adamawa and Project Manager of the state-owned Local Apprenticeship Scheme, described the programme as a “pilot project” which would be expanded if the objectives are met.
Describing it as an eye opener for the students, Mr. Jada encouraged them to “maximize and exploit the opportunity” so that they will in turn serve as mentors to their school mates back in their schools. Mr. Reginald Braggs of the AUN Student Affairs Dept, who chaired the Alliance’s Youth Committee, welcomed the participating youth and explained what was expected of them.
The 100 students were from two secondary schools in Yola: Aliyu Musdafa Secondary School, a public institution, and REMI Educational Foundation, a private institution. Each of these schools provided 50 students across both genders but combined and divided into age groups for effective mentoring. The program provides lunch, writing materials, and transport to and from their school during the programme.
The programme’s curriculum incorporates career guidance, peace education, self-esteem building, and entrepreneurship under the mentorship of AUN students. Vice President McKee of AUN Schools & Educational Program and Chairperson of the Grand Alliance Curriculum Committee spoke of the objectives of the program: “For these youth to gain an understanding of skills to be employable, to be entrepreneurs, and get ideas of what to aspire to’’.
“We want them to be able to dream for a future and get to know themselves, to know each other, meet other people, and understand each other through the peace curriculum that we have integrated into the programme.”
The students expected to learn aspects of employability and social skills, as well as attend field trips to selected industrial outfits. The programme will conclude with a sports-fun day and awards ceremony on June 5.
The Grand Alliance Summer Program for Youth is held in collaboration with the Local Apprenticeship Scheme and proudly supported by Adama Beverages, Professor John Leonard of AUN Graduate School, Standard Microfinance Bank, Yes Fairways Farms, West African Catering, Gotel Communications, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, state government-backed Local Apprenticeship Scheme, Yola Electrical Distribution Company, and AUN. The Grand Alliance for Adamawa is a network of concerned individuals and organizations committed to improving the economic and social development in Yola, Jimeta, and Adamawa State partnering to make a positive impact in the community.
