At Betso Charity Foundation (BCF), we believe that equipping young people with the right skills and knowledge is essential for driving sustainable development. On October 2nd – 3rd, 2024, BCF organized a transformative Capacity Building Training at our head office in Yola, Adamawa State. The training was designed to empower National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and community volunteers with the tools to effectively engage with communities, foster humanitarian interventions, and become change-makers in society.
Bridging the Gap: Why This Training Was Necessary
Across Nigeria, many young people are eager to contribute meaningfully to their communities but often lack the necessary training to make a lasting impact. This initiative aimed to:
- Enhance understanding of community development and humanitarian work.
- Equip participants with skills in community mobilization, needs assessment, and sustainable project development.
- Foster collaboration between youth, volunteers, and local communities for impactful change.
- Promote awareness of humanitarian principles, ethics, and best practices.
- Encourage youth-driven solutions to social challenges such as poverty, education, and health disparities.
A Dynamic and Interactive Training Approach
The training was designed with a hands-on, interactive curriculum covering key thematic areas:
- Understanding Community and Humanitarian Engagements: Learning about the dynamics of community work and its impact on social change.
- Community Needs Assessment: Training participants in data collection, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots mobilization.
- Project Planning and Implementation: Providing insights into project management, budgeting, and resource mobilization.
- Volunteerism and Leadership: Emphasizing leadership skills, teamwork, and effective communication in community service.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Teaching the importance of tracking progress, assessing impact, and ensuring accountability in projects.
A Training Like No Other
To enhance learning, BCF employed various participatory methods, including:
- Interactive Lecturettes – Facilitators shared expert insights and real-life community development experiences.
- Case Studies and Group Work – Participants applied knowledge to real-world scenarios and worked in teams to devise solutions.
- Role-Playing and Simulations – Practical exercises allowed attendees to experience community engagement firsthand.
- Mentorship and Networking – Opportunities for participants to connect with experienced professionals and community leaders.
Key Takeaways and Impact
The training had a profound impact on participants, leading to:
- Enhanced Confidence and Readiness: Attendees left equipped with practical knowledge to implement projects in their communities.
- Stronger Collaboration Networks: The training fostered a spirit of teamwork and partnership among NYSC members and community volunteers.
- Empowered Leaders for Social Change: Participants gained a renewed sense of responsibility to drive change in their communities.
- Positive Feedback from Participants: Over 90% of attendees rated the training as highly impactful, expressing a desire for continued mentorship.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite its success, the training also highlighted areas for improvement:
- Resource Limitations: The demand for training exceeded available resources, underscoring the need for increased funding.
- Diverse Learning Backgrounds: Participants had varying levels of experience, requiring more tailored learning modules.
- Follow-Up Support: Many attendees requested continuous mentorship and refresher training sessions to sustain momentum.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Impact
To build on the success of this initiative, BCF recommends:
- Periodic Refresher Training: Conduct follow-up sessions to reinforce learning and track participants’ progress.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair participants with experienced community development professionals for ongoing guidance.
- Expanding Outreach to More Communities: Extend training to more NYSC members and volunteers across Nigeria.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to scale impact.
- Long-Term Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a structured system to assess the long-term effects of training initiatives.
A Call to Action: Join Us in Empowering Future Leaders
The Capacity Building Training for NYSC Corps Members and Community Volunteers reflects BCF’s commitment to empowering young leaders who will shape the future of humanitarian work and community development in Nigeria. But this is just the beginning. We invite organizations, partners, and well-meaning individuals to support this initiative and help expand its reach.
Together, we can nurture a new generation of changemakers.
For more information and to support our programs, visit www.betsocharity.org.
Empowering lives, one act of kindness at a time.
