ACORN: February 2019 ROUND UP

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

 

Strategic Engagement

·         The Y-PAC project program officer of CITAD attended a 3-day master training on election observation organised by YAF from 2nd to 4th February 2019 at Dennis hotel, Abuja. The aim of the training was to equip its Y-PAC partners with necessary skills so as to go back to their respective states and step down to their observers of the general election. Checklist was developed during the training and CASE app was also introduced as the two tools agreed to be used for election observations. CITAD and CAJA were asked to collaborate in stepping down the training and coordinating the general election observations for the observers in Kano state and it was agreed by the two organizations that CAJA to lead the process as state coordinator while CITAD to provide two out of three supervisors for the observations which are to come from the three senatorial districts of the state. ·         A 2- day step down training was conducted for the fifty seven observers and two ICPC representatives from 12th to 13th February, 2019 at Nassarawa Guest palace, Kano where CITAD in collaboration with CAJA handled the training for the two days. Modules of the master training were used for the step down.  The participants were trained on how to use CASE app and SMS in reporting election malpractices and general conduct of the elections as well as using the Checklist for the detail report which is to be submitted after the election to the supervisors and to the coordinator at last for final submission to YAF through ICPC. ·         As directed during the master training, on Monday 11 February, CITAD went to meet with Kano ICPC commissioner after several communications on emails and phone, where Ibrahim Nuhu met with two ICPC members and discussed the step down training and the needs of collaboration with members of ICPC in carrying out the training and election observations as designed by YAF. ·         Presidential and federal legislatives elections was held on Saturday 23 February, 2019 and the fifty six observers were posted across the six local governments (2 in each senatorial district) and to different wards to observe the general conduct of the elections. They all went, observed and reported appropriately using the above tools though the effective supervision of the three supervisors and the coordinator and then submitted their checklists from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 February to CITAD office as requested and were all paid a stipend of thirteen thousand naira (N13,000) as allowances for the exercise. ·         The three supervisors wrote a report of their supervision and sent to the state coordinator as he is to send the final report to YAF. The checklists were handed over to the coordinator by CITAD which he then handed to ICPC office in Kano as designed. ·         The election observation was done in peace and neutralism since all the non-partisan observers are not being harmed or harmed others as we have not seen or heard any form of violence during the processes neither from observers nor from supervisors. ·          The only challenge we had was the postponement of the general election by INEC after most of our observers already reached their far polling units for observation and spent their little resources without the purpose which we had to sympathise with them even though it was not from our own end. We then encouraged them to be at their various polling units on the day re-scheduled by INEC, Saturday 23 February which they did as early as possible and conducted the observations as required of them.

Cross Programme Coordination and Communications

First Batch Report of the Digital Livelihood for Young Women and Girls

Introduction

“Digital Livelihood for Young Women and Girls” is a project organised by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja. It is aimed at training 40 young women and girls on various digital and entrepreneurship skills and pipelining them through an incubator program at the end of which we hope to get at least 10 small scale businesses set up by the beneficiaries while deepening engagement with policy makers on job creation strategy. The participants who are young women and girls, will be trained on digital skills,  digital entrepreneurship skills, Digital Marketing, Business skills and Internet Safety and Security as well undergo a period of 2 month of e-mentoring attaching them to highly accomplished entrepreneurs. The focus is having women entrepreneurs which can support themselves, their children and boost the national Economy.

Following a selection procedures, CITAD proposal to the U. S embassy was approved for funding. The objectives of the project were:

1. 1. Provide the 40 Young women and girls with life and entrepreneurial skills.
   2. Provide the 40 Young women and girls with ICT skills
   3. Provide 40 young women and girls with after-training enterprises development services
   4. Link 40 young women and girls to support networks and various enterprise development support opportunities such as SMEDAN, the Film Production Fund (FPF), Micro, Small and medium Enterprises (MSME) development fund launched by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), etc

1. Facilitate the establishment of at least 10 new small scale enterprises by the beneficiaries

 

Report on Orientation of Second Phase of Digital Livelihood Program for Young Women and Girls Held at Mambayya House, Gwammaja, Kano on Wednesday 6^th December, 2018 with Support from US Embassy Abuja Through Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

The program was hosted by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with 35 participants from different communities within and outside Kano state.

Opening Statements

The meeting was opened by Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai on behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD. In his statements, he noted the importance of the program, orientating the applicants on the project’s expectations while congratulating them as successful applicants. He emphasized that the issue of women’s participation in ICT and entrepreneurships aspect in Kano continued to be of serious concern. However, due recognition needed to be given to the progress that has been made on the new project, where 40 successful applicants out of 6,205 applicants is a leading example that the women need to tighten up their mind and be self-sustainable.

Being a project from U.S Embassy doesn’t mean we empower women and girls by giving the money, we only empower them with skills and mentorship on how to promote your businesses online and so on. In emphasis to women participation, this give a clear impression that there is need of participation of young women and girls and people with disabilities in our localities to have a democratic society free of hunger which is achievable through projects like this. Said Ahmad

He finally urged that the applicants should be punctual, avoid irregularities or inconsistency in attending the training, avoid inclusion of uninvited applicants and must have a sound character and be focused and pointed out that women’s movements should also be seen as having a representational role to play; both in terms of substantive and descriptive representation.

Malam Ibrahim, the Program Officer, thanked the U.S Embassy for collaboration with CITAD to support the training. In his statement, after presenting the concept of the project, the courses to be offered which are more advanced compared to the first phase of livelihood program, the duration, he identified major achievements and challenges in promoting women’s equal participation in processes at all levels. He finally explained three (3) major project expectations at end of the training in context of the project, the participants should have the knowledge on all skills acquired and can be able to impact it on other women and girls in the society at any time and any moment.

• Should have a full knowledge on ICT and entrepreneurship skills
• Should register their business names with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other concerned regulatory agencies related to their businesses to have a legal back up and;
• The participants should be participating in e-mentoring and be meeting from time to time for mentoring to discuss on how to expand their business, and search for other job opportunities.

Malam Kamal Umar, the Technical Officer, presented on some factors that hinders northern women in acquiring skills based on experience are bigotry, extreme poverty, lack of education, lack of parent’s and husband support’s due to culture and tradition that exposed them to gender discrimination and the necessity of the mechanisms is for promoting women in entrepreneurship skills even in their homes.  The Digital Livelihood Training will be an effective agent. He also mentioned some mechanisms for increasing women’s participation in ICTs and entrepreneurships acquisition;

• Mindset and zeal: When we change our negative thinking to positive, it increases attention and social movements.
• Timing is an important consideration, is a sign of gaining momentum
• Training and skill development: Training and mentoring will increase efficiency and ensure sustainability.

The training arrangements was briefed by the Training Officer on how it is commencing and the rules behind the training to avoid enacting measures that will affect single or majoritarian beneficiaries.

Project finance officer explained on how to go along with the logistics in order to adopt clear and transparent rules to ensure effective training by paying them transport fare weekly.

A session for question and answers was provided, the beneficiaries contributed in encouraging themselves to increase the era of enterprise.

 

Challenges:

• Some of the issues that occurred during the meeting were absence of invited concerned guest and government officials, which also leads to late commencement and provision of opportunity for the applicants from government actors, only representative from ministry of education attended but left before commencement.

Recommendations:

1. Use ICT training as a tool in education and training efforts, in particular to overcome the digital divide between men and women in the use of new technologies and to provide women with equal access to information.
2. The beneficiaries should ensure that they have equal opportunities during training, such as providing access to the ICT facilities, spending weekly transport fare wisely, our intention of running businesses are disclosed and shared among ourselves.
3. We should have clear rules that can allow us make a meaningful inputs during the training.

The session closed, refreshments served and transport fare paid at 2:47pm.

Report on Orientation of Second Phase of Digital Livelihood Program for Young Women and Girls Held at Mambayya House, Gwammaja, Kano on Wednesday 6^th December, 2018 with Support from US Embassy Abuja through Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)

The program was hosted by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with 35 participants from different communities within and outside Kano state.

Opening Statements

The meeting was opened by Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai on behalf of the Executive Director of CITAD. In his statements, he noted the importance of the program, orientating the applicants on the project’s expectations while congratulating them as successful applicants. He emphasized that the issue of women’s participation in ICT and entrepreneurships aspect in Kano continued to be of serious concern. However, due recognition needed to be given to the progress that has been made on the new project, where 40 successful applicants out of 6,205 applicants is a leading example that the women need to tighten up their mind and be self-sustainable.

Being a project from U.S Embassy doesn’t mean we empower women and girls by giving the money, we only empower them with skills and mentorship on how to promote your businesses online and so on. In emphasis to women participation, this give a clear impression that there is need of participation of young women and girls and people with disabilities in our localities to have a democratic society free of hunger which is achievable through projects like this. Said Ahmad

He finally urged that the applicants should be punctual, avoid irregularities or inconsistency in attending the training, avoid inclusion of uninvited applicants and must have a sound character and be focused and pointed out that women’s movements should also be seen as having a representational role to play; both in terms of substantive and descriptive representation.

Malam Ibrahim, the Program Officer, thanked the U.S Embassy for collaboration with CITAD to support the training. In his statement, after presenting the concept of the project, the courses to be offered which are more advanced compared to the first phase of livelihood program, the duration, he identified major achievements and challenges in promoting women’s equal participation in processes at all levels. He finally explained three (3) major project expectations at end of the training in context of the project, the participants should have the knowledge on all skills acquired and can be able to impact it on other women and girls in the society at any time and any moment.

• Should have a full knowledge on ICT and entrepreneurship skills
• Should register their business names with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other concerned regulatory agencies related to their businesses to have a legal back up and;
• The participants should be participating in e-mentoring and be meeting from time to time for mentoring to discuss on how to expand their business, and search for other job opportunities.

Malam Kamal Umar, the Technical Officer, presented on some factors that hinders northern women in acquiring skills based on experience are bigotry, extreme poverty, lack of education, lack of parent’s and husband support’s due to culture and tradition that exposed them to gender discrimination and the necessity of the mechanisms is for promoting women in entrepreneurship skills even in their homes.  The Digital Livelihood Training will be an effective agent. He also mentioned some mechanisms for increasing women’s participation in ICTs and entrepreneurships acquisition;

• Mindset and zeal: When we change our negative thinking to positive, it increases attention and social movements.
• Timing is an important consideration, is a sign of gaining momentum
• Training and skill development: Training and mentoring will increase efficiency and ensure sustainability.

The training arrangements was briefed by the Training Officer on how it is commencing and the rules behind the training to avoid enacting measures that will affect single or majoritarian beneficiaries.

Project finance officer explained on how to go along with the logistics in order to adopt clear and transparent rules to ensure effective training by paying them transport fare weekly.

A session for question and answers was provided, the beneficiaries contributed in encouraging themselves to increase the era of enterprise.

Challenges:

• Some of the issues that occurred during the meeting were absence of invited concerned guest and government officials, which also leads to late commencement and provision of opportunity for the applicants from government actors, only representative from ministry of education attended but left before commencement.

Recommendations:

1. Use ICT training as a tool in education and training efforts, in particular to overcome the digital divide between men and women in the use of new technologies and to provide women with equal access to information.
2. The beneficiaries should ensure that they have equal opportunities during training, such as providing access to the ICT facilities, spending weekly transport fare wisely, our intention of running businesses are disclosed and shared among ourselves.
3. We should have clear rules that can allow us make a meaningful inputs during the training.

The session closed, refreshments served and transport fare paid at 2:47pm.

Report on Digital Entrepreneurship Skills Under The Project “Digital Livelihood For Young Women And Girls” Implemented by CITAD with Support from Office of Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja.

Digital Entrepreneurship Skills Report for First Batch
After completion of the ICT skills phase, the twenty (20) young women of the first batch were introduced to Digital Entrepreneurship skills for ten (10) days. The session started from Wednesday 19th December, 2018 and ended by Friday 4th January, 2018 with the skip of X mass and New Year breaks. Here, the 20 beneficiaries were further divided into two different groups of twelve and eight based on their choice of their interesting packages or skills in two classes all in the morning, 9am-1pm to ease facilitation and understanding as well as improving student-centred learning. This phase was aimed at making the beneficiaries to learn digital entrepreneurship skills like Graphic design and infographics (Class A) Photography and Film and Video Editing (FAVE) in class B. In the first five days of the phase, the women were trained on the respective skills using PCs while in the last five days Android Tablets were used. The essence of facilitating using different tools is to make the beneficiaries know that they can use any available tool for them to do the business and support their learning skills especially the android phones which are very common in use nowadays. It was done successfully and the women acquired the relevant skills of their choice for the whole ten days. They demonstrated the acquired skills by using the Tablets and PCs to produce different items like calendars, Memos, Invitation cards, Fliers, Pictures and shapes as well as video coverage with editing styles. The next activity which is Business skills training has started immediately on Monday 7 January which will last for four (4) days training on three (3) components; Digital marketing for two days, Business skills training on Build Your Business Modules developed by Microsoft, International Youth Foundation (IYF) for a day, and Internet safety and security training for the last day.

Report on Information Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Under the Project “Digital Livelihood for Young Women and Girls” Implemented by CITAD with Support from Office of Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja

First Batch
In commencement of Digital Livelihood Training, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organised a seven (7) days forum on information communication technology. The session started on Monday 10^th December and ended Tuesday 18^th December, 2018. where the trainees were trained on ICT Skills upon the following components; computer appreciation, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point and Use of Internet Tools in order to prepare them for the digital entrepreneurship session.   This is aimed to make them People Fluent with Information Technology (FIT Persons) now and in the future. The batch was taken in one session (morning) with 20 women, provided with training manuals is used as a training guide for easy understanding and practice at homes. Each day is a four-hour session which starts at 9am and closes at 1pm in which the trainees are served with a lunch every day. Transportation fair was served at end of the week by the finance officer, also an I.D cards was issued to each participants. The women beneficiaries are active and anxious to learn the skills and practice what they learn since the training is a hands-own and they appreciate the method being used by the facilitators. It has a less challenges encountered during the session as some few participants come late in the beginning which later adjusted after discussing with them on the importance of coming on time and punctuality of attendance. In progress of the training, digital entrepreneurship session has started on Wednesday 19^th December which will last for ten days.

2nd Batch
In commencement of Digital Livelihood Training, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organised a seven (7) days forum on information communication technology for the trainees to acquire ICT Skills on the following components; Computer Appreciation, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Use of Internet Tools in order to use it more effectively in preparation of learning entrepreneurial digital skills.  Training manuals were provided as a guide to have a good practice using the modules and Identification cards for verification. This aimed to make them People Fluent with Information Technology (FIT Persons) now and in the future. The batch was taken in one session (morning) with 20 beneficiaries. Lunch was served every day and at end of the week transportation fare of five thousand naira (N5000) was given to each beneficiary by the finance officer. Little challenge encountered during the session is some of the beneficiaries do come late in the first two days but we counselled them on the importance of punctuality and promptness which made them changed.  The training started from Monday 4 and ended Tuesday 12 February, 2019. In progress of the training, the entrepreneurship session has commenced on Wednesday 13 February which will last for 10 days.