CARD, DEC train Bauchi women on reusable products

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

A Bauchi-based Civil Society Organisation, Community Advocate for Rural Development (CARD), in partnership with the Development Exchange Center (DEC), has launched a six-day intensive training for 25 women on converting biodegradable plastics and textiles into finished products in the Gwallameji community.

The initiative aims to equip selected beneficiaries with skills they could later transfer to widows, vulnerable women, and other community members to boost self-reliance and local economic development. 

Executive Director of CARD, Habiba Bello Ajufoh, said that, through its partnership DEC and Bread for the World Germany, CARD will train and supports rural women to: Recycle plastic and textile waste into useful products, Promote environmental cleanliness and, climate resilience and also Build small green businesses for sustainable livelihoods

She stressed that training would focus on turning waste into reusable items such as bags, blankets, doormats, shoes and household products under the Promoting Opportunities for Women in Environmental Recycling (POWER) Project supported by DEC and Bread for the World, Germany.

Ajufoh revealed that although the project currently targets 25 widows and vulnerable women, the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) has shown strong interest in adopting and expanding the initiative across the state. She said this interest could help scale the waste-to-wealth model beyond Gwallameji.

Director General of BASEPA, Dr. Mahmood Bose, described the programme as consistent with global circular-economy principles and community-level zero-waste strategies. He commended CARD and its partners, adding that the agency will explore ways to broaden the project’s reach across the state.

An official of DEC, Yerima Lekke encouraged beneficiaries to see themselves as privileged pioneers who will serve as master trainers, urging them to fully apply the skills they acquire. 

CARD’s Board of Trustees Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kilishi, also charged participants to share the knowledge widely in their communities. 

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the State Ministries of Women Affairs and Environment, ACReSAL, BSADP, and Community leaders.