In a significant initiative aimed at fostering youth empowerment and agricultural development, the Foundation for Rural and Urban Transformation (FoRUT) distributed start-up kits to 17 female youths who recently completed their Technical and Vocational Training courses. The distribution took place on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo.
The event, coinciding with International Women’s Day under the theme “Inspire Inclusion, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” saw FoRUT also providing farming tools to 10 Farmer Base Organizations. This move is geared towards enhancing agricultural productivity and market access.
Madam Boi Jenneh Jalloh, the Executive Director of FoRUT, expressed the organization’s commitment to complementing the government’s efforts in youth skill development and empowerment through technical and vocational education and training. She highlighted the collaborative effort with stakeholders in the Tombo Community to impart innovative skills such as tailoring, carpentry, farming, and catering to the youth.
Jalloh emphasized that the distribution of kits aims not only to support youths in building their skills but also to extend assistance to women in the region. The initiative aligns with FoRUT’s broader mission to uplift communities and foster sustainable development.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Mr. Joseph Sandy Sannoh, commended FoRUT for its dedication to empowering women in the Tombo Community. He lauded the organization’s achievement in creating employment opportunities for over thirty-five thousand individuals through skills development initiatives.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abass Conteh praised FoRUT’s collaboration in training youths in farming processes. He noted the establishment of specialized training centers to enhance agricultural skills and crop cultivation.
Mr. Joseph Sandy urged beneficiaries to responsibly utilize the distributed items for their intended purposes and emphasized the importance of proper care and maintenance.
FoRUT’s endeavor underscores the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations in driving socio-economic progress and fostering inclusive development in rural communities.
