Abuja, Nigeria – September 7, 2024
The Sustainable Family Health Foundation (SFHF), in collaboration with CBM Global, has successfully empowered hundreds of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), fistula survivors, and indigent individuals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through a transformative Vocational Skills Training and Livelihood Support Program. Held on September 5-6, 2024, in Abuja, this initiative aims to uplift vulnerable groups and provide them with economic opportunities to ensure self-sufficiency and integration within their communities.
Mrs. Peters Ogumayi, the Executive Director of SFHF, spoke passionately about the foundation’s commitment to empowering marginalized individuals during an interview with The Qualitative Magazine. She explained that SFHF has been working closely with CBM Global for over four years to reach persons with disabilities across various states. Together, they strive to improve the lives of PWDs by providing them with not only assistive devices but also economic support to help them thrive.
“In partnership with CBM Global, whose mission aligns with empowering persons with disabilities, we have reached out to communities where our projects are active, ensuring that PWDs are empowered and integrated into their communities. We believe that every individual deserves an opportunity to thrive, and this program is helping us achieve that goal,” Ogumayi stated.
The ongoing project covers the FCT and three northern states—Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina—where similar interventions were completed in recent weeks. Now in its second phase, the FCT program is set to empower 500 individuals over the course of two years. Unlike the first phase, which primarily focused on women, this second phase includes 30 percent male participants, marking a significant step toward gender inclusivity.
In FCT, the initiative targets the most vulnerable individuals across four area councils—Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Kuje. SFHF worked closely with community leaders to conduct assessments, ensuring that the selected beneficiaries truly represent the poorest of the poor in their communities. These assessments were done in four wards within each area council, identifying individuals who are already engaged in small-scale businesses but need support to grow.
The program provides vocational skills training in tailoring, shoe-making, hairdressing, and catering. Additionally, for those involved in micro-businesses, financial support is offered to help them expand their ventures. Participants in tailoring will receive sewing machines and starter packs, while those in shoe-making will be equipped with filing machines and starter kits. Individuals in hairdressing and catering will also receive materials and starter packs to help them kickstart or improve their businesses.
One unique component of the initiative is its focus on supporting fistula survivors—women who often face extreme poverty after undergoing surgical repairs. The program ensures these women receive the necessary support to reintegrate into society and build sustainable livelihoods.
In December, the project will distribute assistive devices to PWDs who require them, further reinforcing the commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Sustainability and Long-term Impact
Addressing the sustainability of the program, Mrs. Ogumayi highlighted the importance of ensuring that the beneficiaries are able to sustain their businesses beyond the initial support. SFHF plans to work with community leaders to establish Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) within these communities, which will allow participants to save a portion of their earnings. These community-driven savings schemes will not only provide financial security but also foster economic collaboration among the beneficiaries.
“We understand that for this initiative to be truly impactful, it must be sustainable. That’s why we are introducing VSLA systems within these communities to help beneficiaries save from their proceeds and grow their businesses. It’s not just about giving them a head start; it’s about equipping them with the tools to continue succeeding,” Ogumayi explained.
In her remarks, Ogumayi also acknowledged the progress made by the government in advancing disability-related policies and increasing representation through key appointments. However, she urged the government to prioritize PWDs during social intervention programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not overlooked.
Voices of the Beneficiaries
The impact of the SFHF initiative is already being felt by those who have previously benefited from the foundation’s programs. Dorcas Taminu, a beneficiary from the earlier phase of the project, expressed her gratitude to SFHF for the support she received in 2020. “My experience with SFHF has been wonderful. In 2020, they supported me to start my charcoal business, and today it has become a success. I am deeply grateful, and I encourage the new beneficiaries to make good use of this opportunity,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Rasidiat Musa, shared a similar story of empowerment. “With the support I received, I’ve been able to sustain myself in business. I am urging the donors to continue supporting SFHF so that they can reach more PWDs. There are many people out there who need this kind of assistance,” Musa noted.
The program is also creating ripples of hope for new beneficiaries, who see it as a chance to break the cycle of poverty and social isolation. Many of the participants, especially fistula survivors, have faced significant challenges in reintegrating into society after their surgeries, often struggling to find economic opportunities. Through the SFHF vocational training, they now have a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to rebuild their lives.
A Call for Continued Support
As the SFHF continues its mission to empower the vulnerable, the foundation calls for more support from both government and private sector stakeholders. With thousands of PWDs and indigent individuals still in need of assistance, there is a pressing need for sustained funding and collaboration.
“The work we do is life-changing, but we can only reach a fraction of those who need our help. We are calling on the government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support initiatives like this, which create lasting change in the lives of marginalized communities,” Ogumayi said in her closing remarks.
The Sustainable Family Health Foundation, through its partnership with CBM Global, is leading the charge in building a more inclusive and equitable society. By empowering individuals with disabilities, fistula survivors, and the indigent with vocational skills and economic support, SFHF is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
