Grants available for Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria

The European Commission (EC) is seeking applications to provide and develop vocational training and critical social skills for youths, including training for green jobs.

The focus of this call for Proposals will be on increasing access, to quality and inclusive education opportunities for adolescent and youth especially through non-formal pathways. It would focus especially in engaging alternative education pathways for out of school children including in vocational education and training in critical social lives skills and training for green jobs with a view to improving better learning outcomes, and, targeting especially female youth for skills acquisition to facilitate their entry into the labour market. Leveraging partnerships with enhanced public and private sector engagement for life skills training by including elements to raise awareness about climate change issues and effective action will be pursued.

Objectives

  • The Education and Youth Empowerment in North-Western Nigeria is a basic and vocational education programme aimed at supporting the Nigerian government in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and skills development, especially for girls in rural, underserved and nomadic communities in the North-West. This project will work with the government at the national level and support three northern states; Sokoto, Kano and Jigawa.
  • The global objective of this call for proposals is to emancipate the poorest, underserved and most marginalised population groups including women and girls in the North-West of Nigeria (Sokoto, Kano and Jigawa).

    Priorities

    • The priorities of this call for proposals are:
      • to develop actions aimed at increasing alternative/accelerated education programmes, as well as transition possibilities to non-formal education or formal education for 500 000 young people in 60 schools/learning centres (20 in each state; Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto);
      • to develop actions enhancing non-formal education, training and skills for at least 60 000 young people (60% girls and 40% boys) with an aim to
      • provide the target group employment- and livelihood opportunities, green jobs included;
      • to provide at least 150 safe spaces for girls and young women, where learning of critical social life skills (ie. financial literacy, livelihood skills) to transition into adulthood is enhanced and preparing for green jobs is supported;
      • to develop action enhancing and integrating peace education and prevention of violent extremism into education for boys and girls;
      • to launch at least 20 behavioral change campaigns, with a focus on girls’ empowerment, and to develop 12 pilots applying innovative media approaches.

        Funding Information

        • The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is EUR 10 000 000. The contracting authority reserves the right not to award all available funds.
        • Any grant requested under this call for proposals must not exceed the below maximum amount.
        • Maximum amount: EUR 10 000 000.

        Duration

        • The initial planned duration of an action may not be lower than 24 months nor exceed 36 months.

        Location

        • Actions must take place in Federal Republic of Nigeira in the states of Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano.

        Eligibility Criteria

        • Lead applicant(s)
          • In order to be eligible for a grant, the lead applicant must:
            • be a legal person or an entity without legal personality or a natural person and
            • be non-profit-making and
            • be a specific type of organisation such as: non-governmental organisation, public sector operator, local authority, international (inter-governmental) organisation as defined by Article 156 of the EU Financial Regulation and
            • be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary and
            • have a minimum of 2 years documented experience implementing projects in particular priority areas of the call for proposals and
            • are not entities or persons found in specific exclusion situations
            • must operate at the state or government level in Nigeria with considerable experience working at the grassroots. Failing this, must have a co-applicant operating at the state or local government level with considerable experience working at the grassroots.
        • Co-applicant(s)
          • Co-applicants participate in designing and implementing the action, and the costs they incur are eligible in the same way as those incurred by the lead applicant.
          • Co-applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria as applicable to the lead applicant himself.
          • Co-applicants must sign the mandate form.
          • If awarded the grant contract, the co-applicant(s) (if any) will become beneficiary(ies) in the action (together with the coordinator)
          • In addition, please note that contracts cannot be awarded to or signed with applicants included in the lists of EU restrictive measures.

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BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR NYSC GRADUATE

GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND (GEF)

The Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF) scheme is the Bank’s first youth programme which was launched in October 2015 and is facilitated by the BOI’s partner Entrepreneurship Development Centers/Institutions in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Directorate. This initiative is specifically targeted at youths undergoing the mandatory one (1) year national service programme.

The aim is to change the job-seeking mindset of Nigerian youths to entrepreneurship and self-reliance by encouraging them to develop skills for self-employment and to contribute to the accelerated growth of the national economy. The GEF Programme comprises the following:

  • Selection/screening of the NYSC members that will participate in the capacity-building process through a questionnaire to be administered on the BOI online portal.
  • 4 days of intensive training on:
    • Generating a business idea (value proposition)
    • How to run a profitable business (Business Model)
    • Basic financial record keeping.
  •  Financial support for those with bankable business ideas within BOI’s SME clusters.

Eligibility Criteria

  • This product will be available to serving NYSC members that have successfully passed through the following stages:
    • Screening process
    • Attended the capacity-building programme developed specifically for the prospects under GEF.
    • Submitted a bankable business plan in respect of any of the Bank’s identified 40 SME clusters listed in Appendix I. (Any subsequent addition to the Bank’s identified cluster shall also be included)

Loan Requirements

  • Specific charge over the equipment (present and future).
  • Lien on the NYSC discharge certificate
  • Undertaking by the NYSC Directorate not to release the discharge certificate until the loan is liquidated.
  • One (1) external guarantor acceptable to BOI who must belong to any of the following categories:
    • Senior Civil Servant (Level 7 and above).
    • Bankers (not below the level of banking Officer), and must have been confirmed by current employer.
    • Professionals i.e. Medical Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers, etc.
    • Senior Staff of reputable quoted Companies, International Oil Companies, and Telecommunications Companies (GSM providers).
    •  Elected public servants/administrators.
    • Reputable entrepreneurs with ongoing entities and registered business names.
    • Clergymen.

The guarantees must be supported with a Notarized Statement of Net worth acceptable to BOI.

Loan Documentation Required

Customers are required to open an account with the Bank of Industry before application can commence. The documents needed for an account to be opened are listed below. A customer identification number will be created at the end of the account opening process.

An account can be opened by completing an account opening form and submitting all the required documents:

ACCOUNT OPENING REQUIREMENT LIST

  • Schedule of the shareholders signed by the company secretary. (Shareholders Register) for new customers and a confirmation of earlier submission for returning customers
  • Full Incorporation Documents:
    • Photocopy of Certificate of Incorporation
    • Certified true copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association
    • Forms CAC 2.5 (Allotment of Shares)
    • CAC 2.3 (Particulars of Directors)
    • CAC 2.1 (Appointment of Company Secretary)
  • Means of identification of all Directors of the company (i.e., photocopy of International Passport/Driver’s License and National Identity Card) and BVN of the Executive Directors. (**note that ID of all Directors are needed for compliance and credit search)

LOAN APPLICATION / APPROVAL REQUIREMENT LIST

  • Formal Loan Application on Letterhead
  • Duly completed Loan Application Form
  • Feasibility Study Report on the project to be financed stating write-up on technology and manufacturing process(s), etc.
  • Quotation/Proforma Invoice for the supply of items of Machinery and Equipment. Sources and quotations for Raw Materials expressed in quantity and amount
  • Security: Bank Guarantee, a letter of intent for Bank Guarantee (with Risk Management being part of the authorized signatories) of the commercial bank issuing the guarantee. Any exception should be supported with the Bank’s approval limits OR
    • Legal Mortgage
    • Photocopy of the title document(s) to the property being pledged e.g Statutory Certificate of Occupancy/Deed of Assignment/Conveyance/Deed of sublease
    • Valuation Report on the Property Proposed as Security from BOI’s accredited value
    • Lease agreement, if operating from a rented premises

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WEMA BANK/EDC MASTERCARD FOUNDATION TRANSFORMING NIGERIAN YOUTH PROGRAM 2023 FOR YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

Transforming Nigerian Youths

The Transforming Nigerian Youths program aims to create a network of entrepreneurial and managerial change-makers specifically youths and women across the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria.

This program is brought to Nigeria by the Young Africa Works-Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University.

EDC is teaming up with the Foundation to build the capacity of 40,000 MSMEs with special focus on agriculture and creative sectors especially women-led businesses in Nigeria. The training will be delivered via EDC’s online learning platform and IVR( Interactive Voice Response) to enable all learners to take part in the lessons on the go wherever they are.

The following are the core objectives of the program:
  • To completely transform the mindset of youths in Nigeria to become more entrepreneurial, and to equip them to be self-employed or job creators.
  • To create market access and provide support services to existing business owners especially those being run by young people.
  • Change the way learning or information is received in Nigeria through EDC Beam.

 

Benefits

  • Personalized plan for your business growth
  • Opportunity for reward such as free website design, Google my business profile
  • Free access to market
  • One on one advisory services
  • Free Data to browse for the training
  • A chance to participate in sector specific competitions
  • Access to information on funding opportunities

Eligibility

  • Youths between the age of 18-35 years of age
  • Must be resident in any 36 states in Nigeria
  • Must have a business or an idea

How to apply

Click on Start Application as a fresh Application and Continue Application if you already started your application.

 

START APPLICATION

 


Catalyzing Community Action for a Cleaner Future by Emeka Johnson

In a bustling neighborhood, where public waste sites and dirty gutters had evolved into eyesores, a young and passionate changemaker, Emeka Johnson, took the initiative to bring about a transformation. With the aim of creating a cleaner and more beautiful environment for all, Emeka organized a Clean Up Project as a GDC(Grassroot Development Champion) with DO  Take Action, sensitizing 30 enthusiastic participants on the urgent need to clean and manage public spaces.

The project's impact was evident right from the start. Emeka's team engaged the participants in informative and interactive sessions, discussing the detrimental effects of neglecting public spaces and the importance of waste management. As a result, an impressive 70% of the participants scored 65% on the Clean Up Project test, indicating a significant increase in awareness and understanding.

The Clean Up Project not only inspired knowledge but also ignited a sense of responsibility. A remarkable 70% of the participants committed to taking charge of waste disposal within their community. Their determination to bring about change was a testament to the power of collective action and community-driven initiatives.

Moreover, the ripple effect of Emeka's project was astounding. Fifty participants pledged to become advocates for the Clean Up Project, eager to spread awareness and inspire others in their community to join the cause. Their dedication showcased the potential of a united front in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Emeka's leadership did not end there. Ten participants stepped up to organize Clean Up Project outreaches in their respective communities. Their willingness to take on leadership roles exemplified the power of empowering others and multiplying the impact of a noble cause.

As beneficiaries of the Clean Up Project, community members were encouraged to take an active role in managing their waste properly. Emeka's initiative inspired a new sense of pride and ownership in keeping their surroundings clean and beautiful.

Now, it's your turn to take action and make a difference in your community. Emeka Johnson's story serves as an inspiring example of what one person's dedication and passion can achieve. By sensitizing people on the need to clean public spaces and advocating for waste management, you too can contribute to building a cleane r, more sustainable future.

Join the movement today! Visit dotakeaction.org, register as a Grassroot Development Champion(GDC) to get started on your journey towards transforming eyesores into beauty and creating a positive impact on the environment. Together, let's embrace the power of community action and work towards a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful world for generations to come. The time for change is now!
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Website: https://www.dotakeaction.org
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Embrace the Flame: Blessing Ijeoma's Quest for Girl Leadership

Meet Blessing Ijeoma Anagumba is a Grassroots Development Champion (GDC), whose mission is to break barriers and ignite the leadership spark in young girls. Her awe-inspiring "She is a Leader" project took flight at the Zarumai Model School in Chanchaga, Minna, Niger State, leaving an indelible mark on 84 teenage students and igniting a fiery passion for leadership and grassroots politics.

With unwavering determination, Blessing's project sparked a movement of 70 students fervently pledging to seize leadership positions within their school and classrooms, envisioning themselves as outstanding leaders of the future.

The project's influence was evident through the active involvement of teenage girls in various leadership positions within the school. Throughout the workshop, the participants displayed outstanding cooperation and readiness for positive transformation.

As the program reached its pinnacle, an electrifying moment unfolded when each participant took an unwavering oath to embrace leadership with open hearts. This remarkable achievement illuminates the path forward, emphasizing the paramount significance of empowering our girls with leadership skills to fuel authentic change and foster holistic development worldwide.

Join Blessing Ijeoma and become a DOER, championing sustainable development in your community. Visit www.dotakeaction.org today and execute a project for sustainable development.

Blessing Ijeoma Anagumba
Grassroot Development Champion


DO Take Action: Empowering the Next Generation of Dreamers - Faith Ebere

Being in a school environment, I have had the opportunity to interact with numerous teenagers who exhibit strength, passion, and enthusiasm. However, some of these teenagers face a common challenge: they possess dreams and aspirations but lack the know-how to pursue them. On one occasion, I had a conversation with a teen who was hesitant to share her future goals openly, but she provided me with a description of her plans.

Motivated to help teenagers like her, I initiated a project called "Teenage to Purpose" under the banner of "DO Take Action." In this project, I gathered 20 teenagers and created a compelling presentation filled with impactful slides to educate them on selecting a more fulfilling career path and guide them on how to achieve it. During the workshop, I encouraged the participants to share their aspirations, the reasons behind their career choices, and what they aimed to be known for in the future.

The outcome was promising, as the teenagers expressed their commitment to implementing the lessons they learned from the workshop. At least 20 participants pledged to apply the knowledge they acquired to shape their future endeavors.

After the project, I evaluated its impact by assessing the responses to the questions posed to the participants. I was gratified to find that a minimum of 80% of women and girls were represented in the community, indicating that the project had a positive effect on encouraging young females to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Join Faith Ebere today in taking action for sustainable development in your community by visiting our website at dotakeaction.org

Faith Ebere
Grassroot Development Champion

 


A Beacon of Hope: Ejiogu Precious Ifunanya's Fight Against Drug Abuse

Meet Ejiogu Precious Ifunanya, a source of hope and inspiration, working hard to bring positive change in her community as a Grassroots Development Champion with DO. Her mission? To say a resolute "No" to pills and drug abuse.

“The prevalence of drug use among today's youths is a major concern. It seems like almost every day, we hear tragic news about vibrant young individuals losing their lives or their senses due to drug abuse. The alarming rate of addiction among the youth in our community compels me to take action and do something about it.”

In the vibrant neighborhood of Alimosho, Lagos, Precious has chosen Pogem School as the canvas for her transformative project. Armed with determination and the support of 15 enthusiastic participants, she set out to make a lasting impact.

With enthusiasm, Precious conducted a powerful sensitization program, fearlessly delving into the consequences of drug abuse. But she didn't stop there. She infused her sessions with knowledge, empowering young minds to embrace a drug-free life filled with promise and potential.

As the project unfolded, the pupils' understanding of drugs broadened exponentially, and their voices grew stronger. With confidence, they could now articulate the difference between legal and illegal drugs, arming themselves with awareness and conviction.

But the true magic happened when Precious and her participants took their advocacy beyond the walls of their own classroom. Undeterred by challenges, they ventured into other classes, igniting a ripple effect of change that spread throughout the entire school.

Through heartfelt interactions, the students discovered the intricate world of drugs - their various types, the profound psychological impact, and the potential medical repercussions of abuse. Their eyes were opened, and their hearts stirred to make a powerful pledge - to stay far away from illicit drugs, opting only for medications prescribed for their well-being.

With unwavering commitment, Precious continued her time-to-time visits to the school, reinforcing the crucial message with a personal touch. Supported by the Grassroot Development Champions, she ensured her young proteges received the best instructional materials to differentiate between legal and illegal drugs.

Ejiogu Precious Ifunanya's journey is not just about conducting a project; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth, united in purpose and resilience. Her story reminds us that one determined individual can spark an extraordinary movement that transcends boundaries.

Witness the transformative power of Precious's advocacy against drug abuse, and let her story inspire you to believe in the potential of every young changemaker. As her message reminds us that small steps can lead to extraordinary impacts and that, together, we can create a brighter, drug-free future for all.

Join Precious to be a changemaker in your community, Visit dotakeaction.org.

Ejiogu Precious Ifunanya
Grassroot Development Champion


From Ignorance to Empowerment: Combating Fake News for a Better Society - Vannessa Onyinyechi Asotibe

I was completely unaware of the harmful impact false news could have on society. With the prevalence of WhatsApp broadcast messages circulating false information daily, I underestimated the seriousness of the issue. It wasn't until I witnessed firsthand the negative consequences of false information during the lead-up to an election that I realized the gravity of the problem. People were deliberately spreading unverified news to tarnish others' images and manipulate public perception.

Feeling compelled to make a difference, I took action and became a Grassroots Development Champion (GDC) with DO. I initiated the "Think Before You Share" project at Odums Community, Choba University, Rivers State, with the aim of creating awareness and combating fake news.

In the project, 15 adults were sensitized about the detrimental effects of false information and the importance of verifying news before sharing it. The participants were educated on how to identify and stop the spread of fake news and misinformation.

The impact was substantial, as people became more aware of the consequences of disseminating incorrect information. Furthermore, a significant number of participants pledged to refrain from engaging in the spread of false information and committed to being more discerning about its adverse effects.

Join Vannessa Onyinyechi Asotibe and become an active DOER, devoted to fostering sustainable development in your community. Take action today by visiting www.dotakeaction.org. Together, let's create a more informed and responsible society.

Vannessa Onyinyechi Asotibe
Grassroot Development Champion

 


The Power of One Vote: Driving Sustainable Development Through Democracy - Chude Arinze Timothy

 

With the election drawing near, a prevalent belief in my community was that non-elected officials did not represent the majority's choice. Additionally, many people felt that their votes would have little impact, leading to apathy towards the democratic process. I was inspired by this observation, so I proactively joined the DO Take Action organization and registered as a Grassroots Development Champion (GDC). My mission centered around executing the Show Up and Vote Right project, designed to increase awareness among individuals about the vital importance of actively engaging in the democratic process.

The project was executed in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The project aimed to raise awareness among the public about the significance of their votes and the importance of participating in the democratic process. Eight enthusiastic adults, all holders of valid PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards), attended the event.

During the event, participants actively engaged in discussions about their role as voters and the impact of voter apathy on national development. They recognized the power and voice that their PVCs bestowed upon them, emphasizing that they would not let their voices be silenced in the upcoming 2023 General Election.

The attendees demonstrated their determination to effect change by pledging to raise awareness about obtaining PVCs within their community and beyond, becoming advocates for the #GetyourPVC movement.

With this, Chude has been able to drive for sustainable development and promote democratic participation, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness. By encouraging active engagement in the democratic process, it seeks to empower communities to prioritize long-term, sustainable solutions and hold policymakers accountable for their actions.

Join Chude in taking action for sustainable development by visiting our website, www.dotakeaction.org, today.

Chude Arinze Timothy
Grassroot Development Champion

 


She STEM: Shattering Stereotypes and Building Dreams - Joy Goodwill

"Women shouldn't be seen as only jumping up and down or pressing computers" – this is a common saying in my community. The prevalence of such phrases has caused many young women to abandon their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) dreams. Determined to make a difference, I utilized the 8-month ASUU strike as an opportunity to reach out to these young women and inspire them to pursue their aspirations. That's when I discovered DO Take Action Organization, whose vision resonated with me, leading me to register as a Grassroot Development Champion with the goal of executing the "She STEM" project.

I conducted an educational session for ten young girls from Junior Secondary School Girls from Kuje , focusing on the significance of STEM careers and how women are underrepresented in these fields. During the session, we discussed profiles of successful women who pursued careers in STEM, engaging in a question and answer session to address their queries. To capture the impact of the event, we took pictures and recorded videos.

The outcome was remarkable, with seven of the secondary school students gaining a better understanding of STEM courses and their importance. They left feeling inspired to consider pursuing STEM careers. The impact of the initiative was truly significant, and the students even pledged to actively engage in STEM courses and careers.

This experience reinforced my commitment to empowering young women and dispelling harmful stereotypes, ensuring that they have the confidence and support to follow their dreams in STEM fields. Together, we are working towards a future where gender doesn't limit opportunities, and all individuals are encouraged to pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations.

 

Joy Goodwill
Grassroot Development Champion