Heart of Care Initiative Empowers Karu Youths With Practical Skills for Sustainable Livelihood

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In a landmark community empowerment effort, Heart of Care Initiative (HOCI), in collaboration with Nassarawa State government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has successfully trained over 50 young people across Karu Local Government Area under the project themed “Equipping Communities with Relevant Skills for Opportunities and Transformation.”

The multi-skill program featured Paint Production, Weaving and ICT Training, designed to strengthen employability, entrepreneurship and digital competence among youths.

Declaring the program open, the Executive Chairman of Karu LGA, Hon. James Thomas, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Bulus, commended Heart of Care Initiative for its continuous efforts in youth empowerment.

He remarked that “the best form of empowerment is skill acquisition; equipping young people with knowledge that creates opportunities, not dependence.” He further urged participants to maximize the training and become productive citizens contributing to the growth of Karu and Nasarawa State.

Speaking on the program’s impact, Project Supervisor, Mr. Magam Sunday Ndenghe, noted that the initiative was structured to bridge the skills gap and digital divide by combining hands-on training, guided practice and peer learning.

Paint Production (14–16 Aug 2025): 20 participants (8 females, 12 males) — Weaving (Aug–Nov 2025): 10 females (ongoing, certification to follow) — ICT Training (15–19 Aug 2025): 20 participants (9 females, 11 males) facilitated virtually by a China-based ICT expert.

All modules recorded a 100% completion rate, with participants gaining foundational skills in manufacturing, traditional craft and digital technology.

The ICT sessions enhanced digital literacy, website design, website management and analytics, social media management, content creation and marketing, online research and cybersecurity awareness.
Participants expressed readiness to pursue self-employment, freelancing and small business ventures within their communities.

The initiative also promoted gender inclusion, encouraging women to take leadership roles and build confidence in technology-driven fields.

At the closing event, participants appreciated HOCI and its partners for the life-changing opportunity, pledging to transfer knowledge to peers and strengthen productivity in their localities.

Heart of Care Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up youth empowerment programs across Nasarawa State, in partnership with government agencies and community stakeholders, to create a sustainable pathway for growth, innovation and livelihood development.