An Islamic Foundation, Halal Children’s Home has called for support and participation of widows in empowerment programmes to help them become self-reliant.
The Welfare Officer of Halal Children’s Home, Mrs Khadijat Fashina, made the call in Abuja during the empowerment of some widows by the Islamic foundation.
Fashina stated that this initiative aligned with the lessons of Ramadan, which emphasised giving and tolerance, to ensure that widows could take care of their children and keep them off the streets, thereby preventing them from engaging in social vices.
“Instead of keeping the children at the orphanage, we decided to empower the women.
“We reached out to the community, we were able to get their information, we dialogue with them and what their needs were, and we decided that we should start on a micro scheme, to see how it goes.
“Members of the public have been very responsive. We are going to follow up on these women to see how they are coping, whenever they have problems so that we can support them,” she said.
Similarly, Rashidat Adekeye, who gave the women on how to grow their businesses, emphasised the need to build public trust and save money to reinvest in their businesses.
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Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, stating that the grinding machines, refrigerators, and capital provided would be used effectively to contribute to national development.
Recounting the progress made, one of the beneficiaries, Idowu Adebola, said: “I bought one engine before ( a second hand one), the engine is giving me problem.
“Everytime, the ‘parta’ will be spoiling, then when I came here, they asked me what I want and I told them I want grinding machines.
“I am very happy to hear that they bought new one for me. I really appreciate and pray that my God will reward them.”
Approximately, N9 million was used to purchase grinding machines, refrigerators, and business capital for the widows, irrespective of their religious affiliations, based on their specific needs.
