Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Takes the Lead in Empowering Women Through ICT
In a triumphant celebration of women’s empowerment, the recently concluded Batch 5 of the BETA Women Entrepreneurship Program (BETA-WEP) in Kano State has left a lasting impact on 42 female participants. Sponsored by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), this program, running from January 26th to March 2nd, 2018, aimed to equip women with crucial ICT skills, creating a ripple effect of innovation and entrepreneurship in Kano State.
Acknowledgment: A Grateful Recognition of Support
The success of the program is attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr. Shettima A. Ali, the MD/CEO of SABMF, and Hajia Amina Ladan Baki, the Programs Director at SABMF. Special thanks were also extended to the Executive Secretary of Kano State Agency for Mass Education, Hajia Hadiza Aliyu Baffa, for their unwavering support throughout the program.
Introduction: Nurturing Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs
BETA-WEP’s Computer Business Application course is a transformative initiative designed to empower women with a spectrum of ICT skills. Covering computer applications, word processing, spreadsheet management, database operations, internet proficiency, multimedia applications, literacy, numeracy, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship skills, the program aims to enlighten women on leveraging ICT for enhanced productivity in the workplace and businesses.
Facilitators and Participants: A Blend of Expertise and Enthusiasm
Certified ICT trainers, each with over five years of experience in various fields, facilitated the program at the Kano State Agency for Mass Education Women Centre in Goron Dutse. Notable facilitators included Mr. Fuad Hassan Jibrin, Mrs. Florence Benedict Hariy, Hajia Fatima Adamu, Hajia Rabi Umar Tudun-Wada, and Bakori Abdulrasheed Babo.
A total of 50 participants, carefully selected from Jamiyan Matan Arewa and Kano State Agency for Mass Education, underwent the intensive training. The participants, armed with Business Entrepreneurial Technology Ambassadors training cards and manuals, embarked on a journey to enhance their skills.
Overview: From Novices to Tech Enthusiasts
The program, commencing on February 5th, 2018, kicked off with lectures, introductions, and the setting of training ground rules. With an 80% attendance rate, participants delved into computer basics, word processing, and spreadsheet applications in the initial weeks.
The third week brought motivational sessions from Hajia Amina Ladan Baki, emphasizing the relevance of the course in contemporary civilization. The fourth week witnessed the introduction of modules on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the strategic use of ICT tools for business.
The program concluded on March 2nd, 2018, with participants leaving equipped with a comprehensive understanding of various applications and a newfound enthusiasm for digital tools.
Feedback: Transformative Impact on Participants
The participants, expressing gratitude, attested to the richness of the program’s content and its well-delivered nature. Ratings averaging 9.5 out of 10 underscored the program’s success, with participants acknowledging a profound shift in mindset and a newfound ability to navigate the digital landscape.
Recommendations and Next Steps: Paving the Way for Future Success
As with any successful project, recommendations for improvement were made, focusing on facility enhancements, computer availability, software installations, power infrastructure, and participant refreshments. With the continuous support of SABMF, BETA-WEP aims to follow up on these recommendations and implement them in subsequent programs.
The program’s success has paved the way for the second batch, scheduled to commence on March 27th, 2018, in Kaduna State, with a follow-up in Kano after Ramadan on June 25th, 2018. Official endorsements from Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation are sought to expand the program’s reach to more states.
Conclusion: Empowering Ambassadors of Change
In concluding remarks, Bakori Abdulrasheed Babo, the co-founder of BETA, expressed his gratitude to the participants, Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, and the Agency for Mass Education. Participants highlighted the profound impact of the training on their lives, vowing to use their newfound skills for the success of their businesses and organizational transactions.
As BETA-WEP continues to break barriers and empower women in Kano State, the program stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, technology, and dedicated community support. The women who underwent the program are not just participants; they are ambassadors of change, ready to lead the charge in the digital era.