by Femi Sylva
Chapter Leader, Children of the Earth, Southeast Nigeria

As a contribution to the 30 communities in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, Nigeria, I started an ICT (Information and communications technology) training aimed at fortifying young people in the local area with necessary ICT skills to meet the demand for such skills and knowledge in the global environment.

The free training lasted for more than 4 months of regular classes and the trainees included fresh Nigerian graduates, young community members, school teachers and civil servants. Examination was conducted at the end of the training and all participants passed the assessment of competence during the government's inspection.

I carried out this project in the name of Children of the Earth and as a means of uniting young people and empowering them with ethical skills in order to bring about a peaceful community since these persons will eventually become gainfully employed after the training thus reducing the chances of ethnic violence and kidnapping of other community members in the local government.

The traditional rulers in the local government attested to the impact the training has had in the community since the project started. The local government chairman, traditional heads and representative of the state government thanked the founder of Children of the Earth, the United Nations and the convener/trainer of the program for the selfless service of humanity and contribution brought to the local government and the state at large.

The graduation of the participants was held at the local government council secretariat and witnessed by a large crowd of people including delegates from the state National Youth Service Corps, Nigerian Police Force, school representatives, traditional rulers, corps members, civil servants, pressmen and community members. It was a wonderful occasion and an indication of Nigerians love for education, peace education and skill acquisition.

I also donated a self-published practical computer textbook to the 65 participants and all 27 local governments in Imo state Nigeria. This is to aid proper diffusion of ICT in the state. The textbook is a self help manual on basic computer applications for desktop publishing and office documentation. Recipients of the textbooks expressed a profound appreciation of the kind gesture extended to them in their rural dwellings. I am now popularly referred as MR COE ICT GURU by the people in the local government area and Imo state.

I solicit general support from the United Nations and other charity organizations for the development of more communities and empowerment of more persons as the need for peace is prominent in Nigeria. With my integrity, I choose to contribute my every quota in weaving the thread of peace in the fabric of national and global unity.

Femi Receives Meritorious Service Award from the Nigerian Government

Due to Femi’s work to bring computer training and peace education to the communities in Imo state, the Nigerian government has honoured him with a Meritorious Service Award for best serving Nigerian Corps member.

The event took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria and over three thousand young Nigerians, press men, government agencies and other delegates were present.The Executive governor of Imo state Owelle Rochas Okorocha who was represented by his deputy Prince Ezemadume, presented the award and encouraged Demi to make the computer training programme regular and if possible annual because of the noticeable effect it had had on young people and peace building in the state.

Femi used his own personal earnings to finance the programme and brought about great impact in the state at a time when young people are restless and violent. The next training programme has already begun and Femi is hoping to raise some funds for the project so that he can reach over 500 young people in the region. This project has been estimated to cost $15,000. This amount is inclusive of the cost of purchasing computers and power supply for the entire duration of the programme. The programme will also train young entrepreneurs in various ICT skills. Please, Let us Help Young People in Nigeria together.

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