Over 300 Internally displaced persons from the conflict in Cameroon, commonly referred to as IDPs, based in the refugee camp in Taraba State in Nigeria have benefited from a package of basic clothing, necessities and training equipment worth 5million frs CFA from a joint effort led by the Association for Training and Rural Development (ATRUD) and with contributions from KHMI based in New York, USA, ATRUD branch China, ATRUD branch Nigeria, Zionists Nigeria and FTHEA – Nigeria.
The project was the fruit of months of fundraising, items collection and coordination by various teams. In spite of numerous challenges and setbacks, the items finally arrived safely. Distribution was done at the local refugee mission in the area. Most of the IDPs in dire need of basic necessities expressed thanks and the wish to learn sustainable skills that can enable them earn some money for food and basic necessities.
In that light, the aid package contained 8 sewing machines for tailoring workshop sessions. This skill was identified as one of the easiest income-generating activity the IDPs could learn.
The next step of the project is the renting of a hall in which equipment will be set up for the training workshops on tailoring, computing, handicraft and other sustainable skills. Many of the IDPs are interested in farming projects like growing crops and animals because the projects will provide them food and at the same time some money for basic necessities.
ATRUD is continuing with fundraising until the end of this year with the aim of raising more money for the training of the IDPs. ATRUD is appealing to donors to show goodwill gestures once more and support these sustainable projects for IDPs. “Empowering IDPs with sustainable skills is far much better than sending them rice and cooking oil from time to time.” The founder of ATRUD, Mr. Tabot said while thanking all those who have been contributing so far.
