By Joy Odor
In a groundbreaking initiative, UNICEF, through the support of partners, and the Sokoto State Government have inaugurated a Digital Village aimed at enhancing digital skills and learning opportunities for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Sultan Machido Institute, signifies a major move towards empowering vulnerable youth with essential digital and vocational skills.
The Digital Village, supported by the Eleva Foundation and located in Sokoto township, integrates digital and vocational training, technological literacy, and youth innovation while serving as a safe space for mentorship and life skills development.
This initiative addresses the lack of formal education and vocational opportunities for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls, boosting economic independence and social inclusion.
The Digital Village aims to improve access to quality learning opportunities by leveraging technological literacy and youth innovation through structured training sessions three times a week for 250 children (150 Almajiri and 100 out-of-school adolescent girls).
Delivered in local languages, the curriculum includes digital literacy, vocational skills, foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills development, tailored to meet the unique needs of these vulnerable groups, equipping them to become active and productive members of society.
The event was graced by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Aliyu Ahmed, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Representative of UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Michael Juma, and other dignitaries from state ministries, religious and community leaders.
Dr Ahmed Aliyu, Governor of Sokoto State, emphasised his dedication to boosting investments in the future of children and adolescents.
He aims for a greater Sokoto State where every citizen is educated and skilled, as outlined in the 9-point smart innovative agenda, which highlights education and youth empowerment.
“The Digital Village represents a significant opportunity for our youth, providing them with essential skills to thrive in the modern world.
We will continue to support initiatives that empower our children with the knowledge and skills they need for a brighter future.”
Likewise, a warehouse has been successfully commissioned and transferred to the government.
This initiative is designed to enhance the safety and security of nutrition supplies, playing a crucial role in encouraging government child-focused programmes, especially those targeting malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes.
It is instrumental in the fight against malnutrition, supporting health initiatives, and ensuring food security.
The warehouse, equipped with a forklift and racking, was made possible through the generous support and funding from the USAID/ Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), contributing to food security and better nutrition outcomes in the state.
The event also featured the Sokoto State Government’s adoption and launch of the Food and Nutrition policy, aimed at addressing malnutrition, food insecurity, and diet-related diseases.
UNICEF Country Representative Ms. Cristian Munduate, represented by Michael Juma, Chief of Field Office Sokoto, stated, “This initiative shows our commitment to bridging the digital divide for the most vulnerable and underserved children.”
By equipping Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls with digital skills, we are building their capacity to thrive in a tech-driven world.”
UNICEF, alongside partners such as the Eleva Foundation, BHA, and FCDO, continues to collaborate with the Sokoto State Government to enhance initiatives aimed at promoting child protection and improving the lives of underserved children, equipping them with essential skills and support for a better quality of life.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children.
Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Nigeria, visit www.unicef.org/nigeria
