IOM trains 44 migrant returnees on vocational skills, trades
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has trained 44 returnee migrants on vocational skills and other trades to boost their means of livelihoods in the country.
According to IOM, the training comprises in-depth knowledge on how to start and scale up businesses and award the trainees with proficiency certifications.
IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Laurent De-Boeck, in a statement, Wednesday, in Maiduguri, disclosed: “The training of returnee migrants is in collaboration with the Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons (SEYP) in providing them with vocational skills to boost employment opportunities in communities.”
He said that the three-day training is on hair and weave production, costume and makeup, catering, and event management in the various cities and towns.
He stated that other skills to be acquired included soap and perfume making under the Return and Reintegration Assistance for Migrants (RRAM) and government projects.
The IOM boss added that the three-day vocational training is supported by the government of Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
He noted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) also provided psychotherapy sessions for the returnees by the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) team.
“Acquiring these skills and engaging in productive activities makes them economically self-reliant, boosting their self-esteem and confidence,” he said, noting that it will support them to be reintegrated into communities.
Boeck added the vocational training could enable the trainees to rebuild their social networks by interacting with peers and trainers to reduce feelings of isolation and stigma that the returnees often face.
The Executive Director of SEYP, Omo-ero Victoria, also said: “Our objective is to empower young people through skills training and transform them to be people of honour and stand for their rights,” stating that this will bring positive changes to their communities.”
John Onaghama, a beneficiary of the training, has said that it will help them realise their dreams of being employed and develop their communities.
