Literacy Training to Transform Lives

The Orphan Independence and Skills Program is one of the highlights of Leadership Initiatives’ work. In addition to providing food, shelter, and other supervision for orphans, the program emphasizes that the orphans take responsibility for their own communities. Recognizing education as one of the primary challenges facing disadvantaged youth, the program first and foremost emphasizes literacy. It targets several areas, including basic mathematics, English language skills, physical education, social studies, and home economics.

As a result of the orphans’ literacy education, orphans can also develop the skills needed in a trade of their interest. Ultimately, the program allows orphans to hone specific skills to benefit their communities in the long run, not just the short run.

One project, completed in collaboration with Leadership Initiatives’ Youth Development Program, is the Hamilton Irrigation Farm. By working with American high school students who developed a specific business plan for Nigerian farm owner Muhammadu Shehu, the Youth Development Program created a plan to increase Shehu’s range of irrigation and organize his finances in order to increase his profit and his yield. The irrigation farm is essential, Program Director Umar Muhammad emphasizes. “Demand is high for fruits and vegetables,” he explains, and the farm grants community members access to fresh produce all year. The farm creates additional jobs for people, who are consequently able to send their children to school. Shehu himself cares for 19 orphans, who greatly benefit from the resources provided by the irrigation farm.

Yet another notable project is Gandhi Cell Phone Repair. Ibrahim Usman, whose parents passed away, lives with his uncle and sister. In collaboration with another team of American high school students, a business plan was created which aimed to expand Mobile Tech, a cell phone repair business started by Usman. By launching a marketing campaign including business cards, flyers, promotions, and a new website, the project aims for growth in a very competitive cell phone repair market. Ultimately, Usman intends on helping his sister financially and continuing to pay for his own education. He is currently studying microbiology.

These are just two examples of Leadership Initiatives’ Orphan Independence and Skills Program, which, in collaboration with the Youth Development Program, creates sustainable models to give orphans the skills to improve both their communities and their own lives. Leadership Initiatives continues to stay true to our goal of empowering individuals to take control of their own circumstances, and we appreciate everyone that aids us in our mission.