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ISIKWENU OGHENEFEGO's Blog
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ALONG WAY FORM THE BEGINNING!
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

It’s like a dream! I am trying to get used to the fact that Close the Gap Nigeria project is coming to an end. I have been through a lot of learning and my experiences are countless. I have worked with countless people, some of them I have never met. I must confess it has been an interesting experience being part of a team of young people change the world locally. Beneficiaries of this project are grateful-it shows allover their happy faces when its time for the weekly club meetings. State coordinators have discovered hidden potentials within them, they have found passion and pleasure in impacting knowledge on a generation very close to their’s.

The doors of opportunities have been wide for us; different state sites are gaining the recognition of big actors in the area of youth reproductive health and HIV&AIDS. Many more organizations have seen that it is possible to work in rural areas and make impact; Close the Gap Nigeria Project model is being adopted by many of them.
I must tell you, young people in this project have proved themselves worthy of trust, commitment, leadership, innovation and creativity.

I want to state very emphatically that this is the first of its kind in Nigeria, there has not been any Close the Gap Nigeria project ever. For the respect of GYCA Nigeria team that met on the 22nd of May 2008 to draft this idea and the zealous state coordinators who have worked relentlessly, I want to appeal that every organization or individual wanting to adopt this model acknowledges the work of this group. It will be unfair if this team is not appreciated.

Close the Gap Nigeria is being implemented in 12 states in Nigeria (a community each) and has touched the life of 210young people as at the last count in February. We have enjoyed adult partnerships in this project and the different clubs will be handed over to partner organization at the end of the project for sustainability. Young people are working!

March 16, 2009 | 2:04 PM Comments  0 comments



The Gaps are Wide,but am sure they are closing up!
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I want to start by saying Happy New year to all GYCA members.Most of us on the Close the Gap team did not get to celebrate the xmas at home because we where on the field.I want to inform the GYCA community that Glose the Gap Nigria has commenced in full force with Twelve(12) anti-HIV/AIDS clubs formed in Twelve(12) states of the federation(Nigeria)

Oranizations based in these communities have been very supportive and our state cordinators are very much active and committed to the project.For instance,the Akwa Ibom(one of the Niger Delta State)State Cordinator,Uyime Abasi Ben,was able to work out a strategic partnership with the state ministry of health which is key to resource mobilization and will give more visibility.In Delta State,the cordinator has been able to mobilize key community leaders in his area and have also created a blog to showcase his activities-www.gycadelta.blogspot.com

It may also interest you to know that Leap Afica(www.leapafrica.org),one of Afrca's leading youth empowerment organization,has voluntarily committed to support the project.

So far so good,we are closing the gap.Progress is being made.However,we still need more support form GYCA members in project locations accross selected states.

January 16, 2009 | 12:20 PM Comments  0 comments



Young Girls Being empowered
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

STATE: Delta State


DATE: January-April 2008 DURATION: 4months (weekly meetings)

ORGANIZERS NAME: Isikwenu Oghenefego

PHONE NUMBER: 08064925906 EMAIL: figobud@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Uche Okwulobia

GSM: 08030919704 EMAIL: ucprof2@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Ogaga Maxwell

GSM: 08034810869 EMAIL: d2dy@yahoo.com

FACILITATOR(S) NAME: Ogene Timothy

GSM: 08067998880 EMAIL: timmybrowni@yahoo.com

EVENT LOCATION: Asaba Girls Grammar School, Asaba, Delta State

TOTAL NO OF PARTICIPANTS PRESENT: 30 participants

TOTAL NO: 30 MALE: Nil FEMALE: 30


SESSION(S)/TOPIC(S) COVERED:

Session One:
- Life building Skills (Negotiation, communication, values clarification, refusal, goal setting, decision making, assertiveness and time management skills)
- Leadership Development

Session Two:
Information and Communication Technology skill building

THE ISSUES IN THE TOPIC COVERED
In session one, I concentrated on helping the female students discover themselves, build their confidence and necessary skills for a successful life as teenagers. As shown above, the skills acquired are very important especially as girls so they could overcome the hazards of adolescence. During the leadership development part of this project, participants were trained on qualities of an effective leader, leadership for development and participation of women in democracy.

Session two concentrated on equipping these girls with ICT skills to place them at advantage in contemporary times. They went through basic computer classes after which they had practical classes on the computer and internet. They were taught how to use Microsoft word, excel and coral draw. While during the internet classes, they were taught how to open and use an email address. All participants joined the TIG group during the training.

OUTCOMES FROM GROUP WORK/PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK ON THE TOPIC(S):

The first session was a very interesting part for the girls because it had a lot of home work, role plays and exercises. It was a real learning opportunity for them, especially the class on values clarification. For the leadership class, the girls were able to identify problems in their school and discuss possible ways of solving them. There was an election after our classes on leadership for development and participation in democracy; to practically demonstrate a truly democratic system; it was an exciting experience for the girls.
Most of them now belong to different clubs and are holding key positions; about 5 of them are school prefects now.

The second session has had its own challenges since the girls complain of not having money to buy cyber time and most of the time their parents discourage them. A few still use the internet and computers whenever they have an opportunity.


ANY OTHER INTRESTING THING YOU LIKE TO REPORT:

Oh yes! I want to thank THE BRISTISH COUNCIL FOR THIS PROJECT, BECAUSE IT HAS HELPED ME BUILD MY LEADERSHIP, NEGOTIATION AND MOBILIZATION SKILLS. I CAN NOW FUNDRAISE FOR ANY PROJECT; LOOKING OUT FOR RESOURCES WITHIN MY COMMUNITY. The principal of the school was very skeptical when I proposed this project to her, because she felt I was too ambitious. At the end of the 4 months, we had a forum at the school where the participants presented a playlet and their certificates were presented to them. The Principal was very happy and approved that the group should for a club in the school.

Taking IT Global supported the project with materials for the Computer and internet training, certificates, airtime in the cybercafé, transportation for facilitators and refreshment for participants under their Creating Local Connections West Africa (CLCWA) project in Nigeria.
This for me was a big plus. The cybercafé gave us the airtime at very subsidized rates while Oxfam Australia provided some technical support through training on Project management.

Also as a result of the BRITISH COUNCIL YOUTHWORKS project, my organization (Inspiro Communications & Media) has formed clubs in ten schools to replicate this project.

Over 200 persons registered their interest for this project, but I had to select a few for maximum impact, I used an essay competition as the criteria for selection. The topic was “THE WOMAN I WANT TO BE”. This has been typed as a journal titled “OUR DREAM, OUR VOICE” and contains the 12 best essays (my way of doing my Top12).









CHALLENGES FACED AND HOW THEY WERE OVERCOME:

The first challenge I faced was acceptability. The School’s Principal wanted to be sure I was not fake since I was talking about the British counsel and YoungStars yet had no identification from them.
I had to get a letter of support from Oxfam Australia, since I have a relationship with them and then presented my International Passport.

The other thing was getting funds for my computer/internet training. I met the TIG Coordinator for Nigeria and discussed my project with him; somehow they were working on similar issues; so they supported me financially, technically and materially.
It was not also easy running such a long project, where I had to meet with the girls every week, some how I was able to equip them to a stage where they could organize meetings themselves and welcome the facilitator for the day by having and elected exco.

NO OF PICTURES OR VIDEOS ATTACHED WITH REPORT:


A lot of pictures and 1 video without audio (sound)

GENERAL COMMENTS
I will really want to thank the initiators of this programme, it has proven to me that young people can contribute to development with the little resources at their disposal. Some how I believe as I contribute my quota in my community, some other persons do theirs in their communities; if you look through, little here, little there, we are having a global impact.
Lives have been touched, these girls are no more the same, and they have been empowered to be what they want to be.







S/N NAME EMAIL
1 Okocha Gloria glowest@yahoo.com

2 Utomi Jane Jane89utomi@yahoo.com

3 Sunday Blessing Cherishbabe4real@yahoo.com

4 Osita Ijeoma ijeosi@yahoo.com

5 Okolie Nonye coolharnon@yahoo.com

6 Ukwa Lilian Ugochukwu liliangunnes@yahoo.com

7 Uteh Happiness hapigirl@yahoo.com

8 Onowighose Fume fumeono@yahoo.com

9 Sunday Patience pattybabe@yahoo.com

10 Omage Faith lanicares@yahoo.com

11 Oravbiere Ahinomor fdjforreal@yahoo.com

12 Oyegbomwan Precious uyisco@yahoo.com

13 Okafor Calista okaforcalista@yahoo.com

14 Etuwatimi Faith Faith2227@yahoo.com

15 Afugeleya Precious Precibaby4luv@yahoo.com

16 Ejime Florence Florence.ebele@yahoo.com

17 Edeh Ndidi Edehndidi@yahoo.com

18 Uzoka Onyinye ouzoka@yahoo.com

19 Kwentoh Cynthia kwentohcynthia@yahoo.com

20 Oviebu Deborah deborahoviebu@yahoo.com

21 Chukwuemeka Jane Jane4real@yahoo.com

22 Joyce Emeh Staga4real@yahoo.com

23 Eliogu Emmanuella eeliogu@yahoo.com

24 Obiazor Nkem obiazornkem@yahoo.com

25 Uzokwe Chinyere chicovera@yahoo.com

26 Ogbolu Evangelyn ogboluevangelyn@yahoo.com

27 Isikwenu EwomaOghene Done@yahoo.com

28 Azorboh Florence Flozy98@yahoo.com

29 Ngemegwai Jennifer Absent from internet class
30 Osita Tobechukwu Absent from internet class



July 2, 2008 | 12:43 PM Comments  1 comments

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International Youth Conference
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

An International Youth Conference has just been concluded in Abuja Nigeria.This conference held from the 27th- 30th of April, 2008 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja with a theme ' Investing in Young People's Health and Development:Policies and Programs and was organized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. The conference brought together stakeholders from all the continents of the world. Research papers and projects where shared and best practices. Various organizations like the Population Council, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, FHI, UNFPA, World Bank and a host of others where fully represented. There was a large youth representation at the conference with over 200 out of the 565 participants at the conference.

The Abuja Call to Action was presented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Odimeji Bankole.

Details of this conference can be gotten from the blogspot http//2008youthconference.blogspot.com
or www.jhsph.edu/gatesinstitute

May 10, 2008 | 4:55 AM Comments  0 comments

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CLCWA ICT BASICS TRAINING AT ASABA
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in present day Nigeria and even the world at large cannot be over emphasized. As part of the Creating Local Connections West Africa (CLCWA) project in Nigeria, a Training of Trainers workshop was held at calabar in February this year; after which participants were expected to carryout training programs in their various location.
It is as a result of this expectation that I, Isikwenu Oghenefego carried out a training on ICT basics for 30 young secondary school girls in Asaba.

Location of project: Asaba Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Asaba.
Dates of training: 29th of February, 7th and 13th of March, 2008.
Duration: Each training day had three hours.
The project:
Time was not spent on mobilization and awareness because I already had an ongoing project which had the training of participants on ICT basics as one of its components, so, I incorporated the CLCWA project into my ongoing project.
I want to state categorically that it was the best thing that happened to participants during the school’s second term period. All the necessary introductory formalities were conducted, like the filling of the application forms by interested participants and scouting for available resources within our immediate environment.

The first breakthrough we had was the provision of a resource person (facilitator) for the introduction to the computer basics which was the first day’s component, by a computer business center in Asaba. This really reduced the responsibilities on me as the lead trainer, so I was able to concentrate on other issues. The venue for the first two days was provided by the school while we used a cybercafé for the last day’s training, which had a more practical component.
The participants went through all the training sessions very excitedly since it was the first time they were having an opportunity to use a computer.
Apart from the classes they had, a simplified handout that covered the major topics and issues about the computer, internet and the TIG website. On a general note, the training was a huge success but not without challenges.

On the last day of the training we had a full representation of the CLCWA project team in Delta State in the person of Mr. Timothy Ogene, state coordinator and Mr. Ogaga Maxwell, deputy coordinator. After the keynote addresses by Mr. James Omokiti, a representative of the British Council Youth works project and Mr. Timothy Ogene; participants were set for the business of the day.
We started with a recap of previous lessons before proceeding to the internet where we concentrated on opening of emails, sending and reading messages after which all participants logged on to the TIG website.
It was a very tedious exercise for the trainers because we had cases of technical hitches and slow pace of comprehension by students. Mr. Ogaga Maxwell took charge of the sessions for the day and was assisted by Mr. Timothy Ogene. Miss. Isikwenu Oghenefego was every where, but concentrated more on logistics and participants/trainers welfare. The training ended at about 5.00pm with presentation of certificates to participants by Mr. Ogaga Maxwell after which light refreshment was taken.

The next day which was 14th March, 2008, we formerly closed the project in the host school, with the principal Mrs. Mathy Osaji thanking CLCWA for choosing her school for such a program and empowering young girls on basic ICT skills; she also presented some certificates on the assembly ground after which a group photograph was taken with participants, principal and some members of staff.

Challenges:
The challenges faced were quite minute but very significant which needed urgent responses to save each situation. The major challenge was the late arrival of funds from the supporting organization. Another challenge was the duration outlined for the course; it was too short for students who were learning about the computer for the first time. While the other issue had to do with the change in academic calendar as a result of public holidays; this made us make emergency readjustments.

Results:
At the end of this program, 28 students successfully completed the training and were given certificates out of the 30 students that applied for the program. They all have functional email addresses and are TIG members. This has increased the number of computer literate students in AGGS by 28. It was a successful project.

Recommendation/Conclusion:
The CLCWA project is the best for our time and should be implemented in every secondary school if possible. We recommend that more days be allocated to ICT basics for better understanding for new students of the computer. The participants are happy, they promise to use the newly acquired skills productively after the program. The project has also increased awareness of stakeholders on the importance of ICT in development of every sector.
Appreciation
We want to begin by thanking the National Coordinator, CLCWA in Nigeria, Mr. Jerry Nwigwe for his commitment to bridging the digital divide. The TIG-CLCWA team is not left out, you will not believe the positive impact you have made in the life of 28 girls-thanks a million.
We want to thank the state coordinator and his deputy for their help and assistance on the project. The volunteers of Inspiro Communications and Media were wonderful, thank you.

We want to specially appreciate the Principal and staff of Asaba Girls Grammar School for their cooperation and absolute trust and belief in the project.
The management and staff of Merit computer technology, thanks for your subsidy and technical assistance.

Together we believe we can make this world a better place.

Isikwenu Oghenefego.
Project Manger, Asaba.


March 24, 2008 | 6:30 AM Comments  0 comments

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