DKF Empowers Over 700 Persons With Disabilities In Adamawa

Empowering 700 Lives: Bold Transformation Through Debbie Kauna Foundation (DKF)

The Debbie Kauna Foundation (DKF) has taken a groundbreaking step to empower persons with disabilities in Adamawa State.

Supported by funding from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF) and UN Women, the program is reshaping lives and breaking barriers.

Titled “Skill Up: Entrepreneurship and Marketable Skills,” the initiative aims to create opportunities for women, girls, men, and boys with disabilities, ensuring they actively participate in economic and social activities.

Mrs. Sarah Sarki, the project manager, explained the program’s objectives. She highlighted its focus on providing essential tools and resources to improve the lives of beneficiaries:

80 women and girls with disabilities now have access to digital resources through virtual hubs in Michika and Madagali.

220 individuals, including 120 women and girls and 100 men and boys, received assistive devices tailored to their specific needs.

300 people, with 250 women and girls and 50 men and boys, have gained marketable skills training and startup kits to kickstart entrepreneurial ventures.

Beneficiaries are connected to a local microfinance bank to access loans and grow their businesses.

“This initiative is a game-changer for inclusion,” said Mrs. Sarki. “It’s not just about providing tools; it’s about equipping people with the skills and confidence to thrive in any environment.”

The chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Michika, Mr. Zira Kwaji, described the program as a “turning point for disability inclusion.”

“This program offers a rare opportunity to break barriers and provide a brighter future for persons with disabilities,” he remarked, underscoring its transformative potential.

For many beneficiaries, this initiative represents hope and opportunity. The program not only fosters economic independence but also instills self-worth and confidence in participants.

Mrs. Glory Jonathan, an entrepreneurship training facilitator, spoke about its far-reaching impact.

“Entrepreneurship empowers individuals not just financially but also emotionally, fostering independence and self-worth,” she stated.

Beneficiaries have expressed excitement about the opportunities this program presents. Many participants see it as a chance to escape the cycle of dependency and create a sustainable livelihood.

The foundation’s founder, Deborah Birdling Bubwa, expressed her gratitude to NHF and UN Women for their support. She also urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the resources provided.

“We are laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods. This is your chance to rewrite your stories,” Bubwa said passionately.

She called on other organizations and government agencies to step in and expand the reach of such programs.

The program’s emphasis on gender equality ensures that women and girls, often disproportionately affected by disabilities, are at the forefront of the initiative.

By focusing on digital inclusion and entrepreneurial skills, the Debbie Kauna Foundation is bridging the gap between vulnerability and opportunity. It is not just an empowerment program but a movement toward an inclusive and equitable society.

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With over 700 lives touched, the initiative is paving the way for a brighter future in Adamawa State. Beneficiaries now stand on the brink of opportunities once thought unattainable.

As the program unfolds, its success story serves as a call to action for stakeholders across Nigeria.

Supporting vulnerable communities is not just a moral imperative; it is an investment in a society where everyone has a chance to succeed.