“I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO READ AND WRITE AND NOW I AM LEARNING A SKILL ON TOP OF THAT.”

Mafita
Mafita
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read
Zulfa’u

Zilfau sits in the middle of the classroom, paper and needle in her hand, as the instructor demonstrates a new pattern to the class. Zilfau, like 2,400 other marginalised youth around Kano State, is learning a new trade through MAFITA’s apprenticeship intervention.

Meaning ‘a way out’ in Hausa, MAFITA aims to do just that- provide a way out of poverty by developing the skills of over 68,000 marginalised youth and help them find wage- or self-employment in key trade areas by the end of its six year mandate.

As an orphan, an Islamiyya school graduate, and a mother of two, Zilfau represents a portion of the population in Northern Nigeria whose lack of educational and economic opportunities has resulted in unemployment.

But for Zilfau, the benefits are more personal. Unable to read and with a family to support, Zilfau enrolled in
MAFITA truly looking for a way out.

By learning literacy and numeracy over the weekend and practicing garment-making with her master-craftsperson during the week, Zilfau has seen her life transformed.

Moreover, even though Zilfau has not yet completed the full training programme, she has already sold dresses and small items to friends. “They pay me a small amount, but I know that my skill isn’t yet enough to ask for more. With time, it will come.”

Encouraged by the skills she has learned, Zilfau envisions a brighter future for herself and her children. For Zilfau, “the most important thing is to be self-sufficient.”

With a dress she sewed by hand resting in her lap, Zilfau smiles, “It’s a MAFITA for me- a second chance at life”.

Mafita
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