By Ade Oyeyemi
No fewer than 20 children formerly associated with Boko Haram have been reintegrated into communities in Borno State after completing a deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme.
The beneficiaries, comprising 10 boys and 10 girls classified as low-risk, were supported with vocational training and start-up materials to help them establish small businesses and rebuild their lives.
The Programme Manager of the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Dadun Hamza, disclosed this on Saturday during the reintegration exercise in Maiduguri.
Hamza said the beneficiaries underwent training in business management, record-keeping, savings and other skills aimed at helping them manage sustainable livelihoods after returning to their communities.
According to him, the children received materials to enable them to engage in trades such as welding, shoemaking, tailoring, food vending, fabric and shoe sales, incense production and grinding services.
He said the foundation would continue to monitor the beneficiaries and provide support where necessary to improve the sustainability of their businesses.
Hamza added that 20 vulnerable households headed by women in the communities receiving the returnees were also supported as part of efforts to encourage acceptance and facilitate the children’s reintegration.
The initiative is aimed at helping the former Boko Haram-associated minors rebuild their lives while strengthening community acceptance and reducing the risk of exclusion following their return from rehabilitation.
