*As Eye Opener Foundation’s Initiative Marks Global Disability Day
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a bid to address the alarming trend of tobacco smoking and substance misuse among individuals with physical challenged, the Eye Opener Youth and Women Foundation’s Tobacco Abstinence Club has organized a one-day entrepreneurship workshop.
The main aim of the entrepreneurship program, amongst other things, to empower the physically challenged through “Train The Trainer”.
The event which held on 1st December, 2023, with over 25 participants, also aimed to mark the Global Disability Day and promote mental well-being among the physically challenged population in Kaduna state.
In an overview, the event was led by Mrs. Gormwa Gotus, a key figure in mental well-being, in education against tobacco smoking, as the workshop focused on providing participants with valuable insights into the benefits of hibiscus juice and the potentials for entrepreneurship.
This initiative comes as an extension of the foundation’s commitment to preventing tobacco and drug abuse and empowering marginalized communities.
Empowering through Education, speaking during the workshop, Mrs. Gotus overscore the significance of nutrition for individuals with physical challenges, emphasizing the need for good food over tobacco.
Aligning with the Tobacco 2023 theme, the event aimed to break the cycle of idleness that often leads to harmful habits.
Mrs. Gotus highlighted entrepreneurship as a viable alternative, and encouraged participants to consider it as a pathway to self-sufficiency.
Positive Participation: The workshop witnessed active participation from 23 student members of the Tobacco Abstinence Club, alongside one staff member who is also a polio survivor.
The positive impact extended beyond the immediate beneficiaries, with several eye witnesses acknowledging the importance of such initiatives in empowering the physically challenged.
In her commendations and recognition, Mrs. Esther Yohana, the Rehabilitation Center Manager, praised the efforts of Mrs. Gotus and the Tobacco Abstinence Club, stating that the workshop added significant value to the services offered by the center, appealing for more.
Mr. Dauda Shamaki, a polio survivor and staff member at the Kaduna State Rehabilitation Centre, expressed gratitude for the ongoing training initiatives initiated by the Eye Opener Foundation.
Mrs. Margaret K Julius, the CEO of the Tobacco Abstinence Club (WHO World No Tobacco 2022 Award Winner), personally attended the workshop and encouraged all club members to undergo the “Train the Trainer” program.
“This initiative equips them to serve as educators in their local government areas, spreading awareness on mental well-being and substance abuse prevention.
In conclusion, the one-day workshop successfully combined education on mental well-being, entrepreneurship, and practical skill development in hibiscus juice preparation.
Participants expressed satisfaction, while Mrs. Gotus provided ingredients for continued practice.
The event stands as a testament to the Eye Opener Foundation’s dedication to empowering individuals with physical challenges, marking a positive step toward a healthier and more sustainable future for this often-overlooked demographically.
Eye Opener Foundation Leaders and beneficiaries of entrepreneurship training at rehabilitation centre Kaduna weekend.
