Living in the streets is an option of last resort for youth who have no alternative for either income or accommodation. This project will provide accommodation, rehabilitation and sustainable livelihood to 20 street drug dependent youth through vocational skills training in ICT, Fashion & Designing, Shoe Making, Handicrafts, Hand Bag Making, and Website Design etc.
There is a a growing problem of drug abuse and addiction among street youth in Northern Nigeria. Increased use of psychoactive substances have led to increase in crime and violence. Many youth are living a part or full time on the streets, motivated by loss of family, lack of financial support or unbearable living situation at home. These youth especially girls have suffered unnecessary stigmatization and discrimination leading to abuse and mental health disorder.
This project will help 20 street drug dependent youth by providing them with rehabilitation program for one year and training in skills and vocations so that with adequate empowerment they can be able to rebuild their livelihoods or seek new economic opportunities. Interventions directed to them will include professional care by mental health specialists and social workers to enable them properly reintegrate into society.
This project can make living in the street and the dangers associated with it a temporary experience for the 20 youth, instead of a permanent experience. Besides empowering these them with economic revival, they will be trained to become players for change by helping other street youth.
