Lagos state, Sustained Africa Earth Initiative Partner to Train Youths in Garden Mgt
The Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) has partnered with the Sustained Africa Earth Initiative to train 50 youths in gardening and nursery maintenance.
The training is a subset of LASTVEB’s ‘Skills for Work’ initiative to reduce unemployment in the state.
Executive Secretary of the board, Ms. Ronke Azeez, speaking during the inauguration of the participants at the Government Technical College, Ikeja lauded the move, stating that training would be practical-based.
According to her, “the training is for those who are either unemployed, not in education, or want to change careers. It will last between six to nine months. It will be modular and certificated. We are looking forward to having a thorough experience with our facilitators.”
She, however, urged the participants to take the training to heart and maximize the opportunities made available to them. She added that 100 percent attendance must be attained to be eligible for their certificates.
“There are already lined up apprenticeship and employment opportunities for the participants if they can learn and are passionate about it. We are so certain that there are employment opportunities in the area of horticulture. Everybody is becoming more conscious of their environments, maintaining gardens and supporting the government.
“When we look at all the parks coming up in Lagos State, we commend the government for that, as it is opening our eyes to other possibilities in the state. There are so many possibilities and potential in Lagos State and we must harness that for our youths,” Ms. Ronke stressed.
President and Founder, Sustain Africa Earth Initiative, Dr. Faderera Adebimpe Williams applauded LASTVEB for their consistent effort in impacting the lives of young people positively.
“We want to improve our environment through knowledge and be part of the solution to the environmental problem. The world has shifted as environmental power is the most important. We want to extend the frontiers of environmental protection through gardening and nursery maintenance,” she said.
She stressed the importance of garden maintenance, saying that it is caring for nature. “We are going to be providing the knowledge and competence to the participants.
“The training is about ensuring hands-on practicals. The work is a work of the future. In no distant time, there will be enforcement on how we handle our environment and where there is enforcement, there will be jobs.”
source- AGRONIGERIA
