By Bashir Hassan
A Bauchi based Women led Organisation, Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHH Foundation), has closed out its project in Kafin Madaki and Miri communities of Ganjuwa and Bauchi Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
The Project, with funding from Women for Women International which was supported by the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), officially came to an end with a project closeout ceremony in the communities of Kafin Madaki and Miri.
During the event, ASHH Foundation’s Executive Director Amb. Comfort Attah expressed gratitude to the community leaders and residents for their cooperation and support throughout the project’s implementation.
The ED urged beneficiaries to continue applying the knowledge gained and encouraged the Community Peace Mediators to sustain their conflict resolution efforts beyond the project’s life span.
The representatives of the Sarkin Madaki and Sarkin Miri reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the peace mediators, acknowledging the significant reduction in crime and conflicts within their communities due to their interventions.
Giving an overview of the Project’s impact, Mrs. Precious Alfred highlighted key achievements, including the training of 60 households in the Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) methodology and the economic empowerment of 30 households through the provision of a pair of goats (male and female).
Mrs. Alfred said that Community Peace Mediators were established in both Kafin Madaki and Miri, handling 290 conflict-related cases, including domestic violence, neglect, forced marriages, and farm disputes.
She also mentioned that the project also facilitated therapy sessions for 20 SGBV survivors and covered medical bills for fifteen (15) women, ranging from birth delivery to surgical operations.
The project officer also said that 800 adolescent girls received education on menstrual hygiene, along with self-care kits.
“It is worth mentioning that the Project also facilitated the development of a bill to establish pad banks in schools, correctional centers, and community hubs which is aimed at improving menstrual health management”, said Mrs Alfred.
A major highlight of the closeout ceremony was the commissioning of self-funded projects initiated by the Community Peace Mediators in Kafin Madaki, where they renovated a dilapidated girls’ toilet facility to promote school attendance among girls.
In Miri community, the peace mediators also renovated the Women’s Community Centre, enhancing the space for community engagement and women’s empowerment initiatives.
The event attracted the presence of officials of the two LGAs and community and leaders of both communities.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from community stakeholders to sustain the progress achieved and continue fostering peace and development in Kafin Madaki and Miri.
