Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Nigeria: Hope through Education
Nigeria: Hope Through Education
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa with about 230 million inhabitants. The country is facing major challenges: unemployment and inflation are very high and this affects women and young adults in particular.
Roughly 40% of the Nigerian population live below the poverty line. What is more, violent conflicts are rampant in parts of the country. Since 2009, the terrorist militia Boko Haram has been wrecking havoc with attacks and kidnappings in the north-east of the country. In Plateau State, which is located at the interface between the Muslim north and the Christian south, there are frequent conflicts that are religiously motivated.
Women and young adults are the ones who suffer the most from the difficult living conditions in Nigeria. Due to the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society, women are often denied access to education and the labour market. 61% of women living in rural communities can neither read nor write. If a woman loses her partner, she has little chance of finding a job or providing for her family. On the other hand, young adults suffer most from the high unemployment rate. Their lives are often influenced by violence, insecurity and a lack of future prospects. Faced with no prospects, they are easily drawn into a destructive spiral of alcohol, drugs and crime.
Support through education
The Basel Mission – German Branch (BMDZ) works in cooperation with Mission 21 and the local partner church, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), to support the most vulnerable members of society and create prospects for them. Women and young adults are empowered through education, awareness building and support.
In addition to attending literacy courses, women and young adults can complete vocational training in fashion design, tailoring, embroidery, shoemaking, cosmetics and catering. Workshops and awareness-building work on the topics of women's rights and gender-based violence, self-development, hygiene, nutrition and mother-child health complete the range of courses offered.
Ensuring a decent living through start-up assistance
Those who have successfully completed vocational training can receive support to set up a small business. This may take the form of business coaching, providing the necessary equipment such as a sewing machine, or financial support.
Women have the potential to make a significant contribution to social cohesion and economic growth in Nigeria. Literacy courses and the chance to complete a training course can make a huge difference to women's lives. Not only can they provide for their families but they also contribute to the long-term empowering of women’s social role in Nigeria.
Project goals
The BMDZ in cooperation with Mission 21 and the local partner church EYN is running a comprehensive education project to help women and young adults secure their livelihoods, escape poverty and improve their prospects by providing literacy courses and vocational training.
Project work
Literacy courses are provided in particular for women and girls. Vocational training in fashion design, tailoring, shoemaking, cosmetics and catering allows women and young adults to earn a decent living Trainees receive start-up assistance in the form of start-up capital or equipment.
Project partners
The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (FYN) is a young and fast-growing church based in the north-east of Nigeria. It was founded in 1923 and meanwhile offers a spiritual home to over two million members. Since 1959, its work has been supported by the Basel Mission. The main focuses of its work include rural development, healthcare supply, education and vocational training. The EYN regards itself as a church of peace dedicated to interfaith peace work in the present crisis situation.
Further projects
