I’m training youths to stand on their feet – Haruna

Huzaifa Jamilu Haruna, 19, is using his skills in making mats to empower the lives of other youth in Kano state. In this interview, the vocational trainer spoke on how he learnt the art and what he is doing to expand his vocational training centre in the state. as I get support from my family and through my personal savings.

Why did you vocational pathway? choose this

It all began when I was in the primary school, some of vocational trainees in Kano state often visited our school and they taught us the theoretical and practical aspects of vocational skills. I soon found that it is a good focus and I always found high interest in it. I became motivated to learn the various skills and become impactful by engaging in vocational training.

Who are your trainees at your centre?

At the centre, I teach youth secondary school students the various skills and later in the afternoon, I leave them to practice and go for my Islamic classes. By evening, I am engaged at the centre teaching another set of trainees, this time, they are adults and married women who have developed interest in the skills of making mat, centre carpet, baby wears, infant cosmetics including skin lotion and other decorative items.

Have you faced any set back in your vocation and what was the success story?

The major challenge I have ever faced in my life was when I had a leg problem. It earlier restricted me from doing so many of my work; there was a time I failed to attend a very important competition. However, I have not allowed that to deter me

How many trainees do you have at your centre?

At my vocational training centre in Shahuchi, I have students who have graduated already. However, we have about 132 students who are currently undergoing various trainings at the centre. To keep the centre lively on the social media platforms, we have the Whatsapp group and Facebook page. My objective is to train the people who are interested in acquiring vocational skills and enlighten the youth to stand on their feet and never be dependent.

What are you doing to improve your business?

I am trying to collaborate with some small scale business enterprises and to use modern pricing policy so that our products can reach more markets at affordable prices.

What is your advice to Nigerian youth about empowerment?

If the youth will devote themselves to refining their talent, if they strive and struggle towards the achievement of their goals, I believe surely that God will make their dreams come true. Nobody should wait for the government to provide a job for them but rather they should provide for themselves no matter how little it is. For the unemployed youth, they should not engage themselves in fast money making means but take gradual and impactful steps.