Society for the Improvement of Rural People, a Rockflower partner based in Nigeria, will be launching a new project, Vocational Training for Unemployed Youth in Nigeria, in which they will train unemployed youth and young adults in the Idaw-River community in a number of highly employable vocational skills. SIRP has previously partnered with Rockflower to reduce the female genital mutilation (FGM) prevalence rate in the Akwuke community of Enugu State from 85% to 45% while directly effecting the number of girls that were able to remain in school.

The organization has conducted interview-based research of young adults ages 18-30 in the Idaw-River community, and determined that of their sample, 50% are currently unemployed and lack useful job skills. SIRP also found that the majority of interviewees have attended school, but the quality of their education has left them lacking the skills necessary to gain employment. Due to the prevalence of unemployment, many young adults are turning to theft and other illegal activities in order to support themselves and their families, which has had a negative impact on the overall safety of the community.

In response to this research, SIRP plans to train 30 young adults in a number of vocational skills which will allow them to develop their job skills, gain financial independence, and have the ability to teach these skills to other community members. The vocational skills will include: graphic design, soap making, cosmetology and baking. These specific vocations have been chosen based on a number of factors including time needed to learn the skills, demand and profitability.

Through this pilot project alone, the program aims to reduce the unemployment rate in the Idaw-River community from 33% to 31% by the end of 2021. SIRP will also provide participants with training in business management and financial literacy so that they feel empowered to begin their own small businesses. They will then hold a certification ceremony at the end of the program to recognize the participants and name them champions of the community, which will empower them to help train the next round of participants and ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. This project aims to improve the quality of life for unemployed young adults in the Idaw-River community, as well as for the community as a whole.