TARGETING THE MARGINALIZED
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Practical Classes Helped Me…
“I am learning product design, and it's been very exciting. Although I had a basic knowledge of graphic design, this was a better experience because I was able to improve my skills and learn a lot of things I wouldn't have learned on my own. These practical classes helped me gain a lot more knowledge while they also boosted my confidence in graphic design. And we had a combination of theory and practical classes. And we also had soft-skills training, which came in very handy. I took a lot of notes that I have on my phone that I go through sometimes. And we were taught how to put ourselves out there, so we can get more clients. How you can also engage your audience and make them come back to patronize you--and all that. So, it was a wonderful experience, and I do not take this for granted…I was opportuned to learn how to design a portfolio that I can use to get a job. And I think it is a very welcome development because it is not so common in Delta State. Not many people have this opportunity to learn…Recently, I got a contract with the Delta State Government for an empowerment program they just finished. I was opportune to do their award plaques for them--and it was a big one for me. I know it is just the beginning, and I expect better things to come subsequently.”
INCLUSIVE ACCESS TO ENERGY FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES Some communities in the region are often marginalized because of their location. PIND has championed community-centered projects that include solar energy mini-grids and solar-powered freezers. In 2021, 2,070 people of all abilities, ages, and genders in the poorest Niger Delta communities received access to renewable energy for the first time. These marginalized persons who were given access came from 645 households and businesses. Of the people given renewable energy for the first time, 1,283 were women.
-Joy Mukoro Oghenefegor, Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) student (Emevwho, Isoko North, Delta State, Nigeria)
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
