Wednesday 9 November 2016

Library Innovative Services

The Beyond Access Project in Nigeria have recorded some milestones and it give us great pleasure to share with you all some innovative services carried out by some libraries in the Northern part of Nigeria;
In June 2016; Plateau State Library organized a workshop on effect of Drug Abuse for 40 Okada Riders (Commercial Motor Cycle) in Plateau metropolis and Niger State Library Board celebrated World Readership Campaign and Book Day with 52 persons in attendance.
July 2016; Niger State Library Board organized Read a Book and Use a Library Campaign to 5 Secondary Schools in Minna.
August 2016; National Library of Nigeria Kaduna Branch organized a two weeks Summer Holiday Educational Program for 28 young people in collaboration with YiSHDA and Plateau State library Board organized a Peace and Security Building Forum for 60 young people in Jos.
October 2016; Bauchi State Library Board organized an inter school quiz competition for senior secondary school in Bauchi metropolis.
There are other amazing ideas libraries are implementing to impact their communities and create solutions to problems in their existing communities.

Thursday 25 August 2016

Building a Network of 35 Public Libraries in Northern Nigeria

Public access to information is a public good. But today, four billion people remain unconnected to the internet. That means half the people in the world are still losing out on the economic, social, and educational opportunities that access can provide. In some places, access through mobiles and other technology has grown so quickly and unevenly that the divide has only deepened between those with access and those without.

As the world finally moved from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), access to information must be a priority for all. In the 21st century, information is a powerful development tool that support communities in a variety of ways and the libraries have a history as trusted community based sources for addressing people’s information need. It has also become a powerful partner to help deliver service that meets personal and economic development.

Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA) in partnership with Beyond Access a program of International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) and with support from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is building a network of 35 public libraries in Northern Nigeria.

Through Beyond Access, YiSHDA works to promote sustainable inclusive access to information and technology for those who need it most.  The program is aimed at creating a platform that will help develop public libraries to function effectively and thereby transforming them into a unique hub for national development.

Nigeria is in the dawn of a new era for development and hence, it is time for YiSHDA to lay a foundation for change and development by mainstreaming developmental programs/activities through the public libraries for the benefit of the general public.  Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire people to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving their quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better.

The following public libraries are currently participating in the Beyond Access Nigeria Project in the Northern Region of Nigeria:

·        Bwari Branch Library, FCT Education Resource Centre
·        National Library of Nigeria Area 2, Abuja
·         Oguma Branch Library, Kogi State Library Board
·         Kogi Library Board HQ, Lokoja
·        Okene Library Branch, Okene Local Government, Kogi State
·        Kabba Library Branch, Kabba Local Government, Kogi State
·        Niger State Library Board, Minna
·        National Library of Nigeria Minna, Niger State
·        National Library of Nigeria Kaduna, Kaduna State
·        National Library of Nigeria, IIorin, Kwara State
·        Kwara State Library Board, IIorin, Kwara State
·        Nasarawa State Library Board, Lafia
·        Keffi Branch Library, Nasarawa Library Board
·        National Library of Nigeria Nasarawa, Lafia
·        Gombe State Library Board HQ, Gombe State                      
·        Biliri Branch Library, Gombe State
·        Plateau State Library Board, Jos
·        National Library of Nigeria, Jos, Plateau State
·        Bauchi State Library Board, Bauchi State  
·        Zonal Library Branch Azeri, Bauchi State   
·        National Library of Nigeria Bauchi, Branch State 
·        Adamawa State Library Branch HQ, Yola 
·        Numan Branch Library Adamawa State                     
·         National Library of Nigeria, Jalingo Taraba State                
·        Kebbi State Library Board HQ, Kebbi State             
·        Argungu Library Branch Kebbi State                            
·        Zamfara State Library Board, Zamfara State                          
·        Gusau Branch Library, Zamfara State          
·        National Library of Nigeria, Sokoto State  
·        State Library Board, Sokoto State  
·        National Library of Nigeria, Katsina State                
·        Katsina State Library Board, Katsina State              
·        Takai Library Branch, Kano  State                   
·        Kano State Library Board HQ, Kano State                
·        National Library of Nigeria, Kano State      


Beyond Access…Making Information Work for Everyone!

Tuesday 9 August 2016

7th Batch African Union Youth Volunteer Corps: Call for 2017 applications

The African Union Youth Volunteers Corps (AU-YVC) is one of African Union’s initiatives for promoting youth participation, capacity building and empowerment through service and skills exchange, driven by the philosophy of Pan-Africanism and Youth Leadership. The Program is in line with the African Youth Charter and Assembly Decision by AU Heads of State and Government (Assembly/AU/Dec.274 (XVI)) to launch a continental Youth volunteer initiative. AU-YVC was officially launched on the 3rd December 2010 in Abuja, Nigeria.

AU-YVC promotes volunteerism to deepen the status of young people in Africa as key actors in Africa’s development targets and goals, enhancing their participation in policy development as well as design and implementation of relevant interventions towards the AU Agenda2063 – ‘The Africa We Want’. It brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning to build a more integrated, prosperous and peaceful Continent driven by its citizens.

AU-YVC recruits and works with young professionals age 18-35 from across the Continent and the Diaspora, to serve for a period of 12 months in their respective fields of expertise in an AU Member States other than their own. Priority areas of deployment of the AU-YVC include: education, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, health (access to youth friendly health services), institutional capacity building, youth mainstreaming, information and communication, post conflict reconstruction and peace building.

AU-YVC Objectives
1.    Achieve the vision of the African Union of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena” through volunteerism and free movement of African youth.

2.    To contribute to Africa’s human development in line with AU’s Mission and Vision through effective youth participation in Africa’s Development process which includes youth as key beneficiaries.

3.     To actualize the emergence of empowered youth who will direct their energy and creativity towards their own growth and enrichment through pan African orientation and spirit of service.

4.    To initiate re-affirmation of Africa’s commitment to actualize the African Youth Charter as an instrument to make youth participation the critical value driver and architect for sustainable human development in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
1.       Citizen of AU Member State or African Diaspora;
2.      Aged between 18 and 33 years;
3.       Have at least a post-secondary education certified training and qualifications, from the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree
4.      Available to dedicate 12 (twelve) months for volunteer work;
5.      Willing to live and work in another AU Member State;
6.      Be proficient in at least one official AU language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese);
7.       Have at least one year verifiable experience as a volunteer and or one year of professional work experience
The Ideal Candidate
·         Is change driven and has passion for Africa’s development;
·         Embraces Pan-Africanist ideals of solidarity, peace and unity in diversity;
·         Self-motivated and has interest in volunteer work;
·         Appreciates and respects other languages, cultures, religious and social norms;
·         Has great deal of leadership skills and can guide others;
·         Remains productive under pressure and in challenging environments;
·         Has a great deal of social networking skills;



Saturday 9 July 2016

Nigerian libraries increase access to information for women and youth


Nigeria has approximately 11 million unemployed youth. Over half never received more than a primary school education, and some never attended school. Meanwhile, 20 percent of the country’s youth have completed postsecondary education but are still unable to find a job within five years of graduation. And less than half the population is able to access to the internet, and its economic, social, and educational benefits.
These numbers are staggering. Increasing the employment rate is a complex challenge, but many pieces of a solution are beginning to come together. For example, local NGOs are offering training initiatives to help people gain skills and find work. Government ministries like the National IT Development Agency (NITDA) or the Universal Services Provision Fund (USPF) are working to expand access to information and communications technologies (ICTs) throughout the country so more people can benefit from the internet.
What has been missing is a way to connect these efforts and synchronize them for maximum impact. That’s where IREX comes in.

Strengthening institutions to improve employability

Through the Beyond Access project, IREX is working with public libraries to help women, youth, and other marginalized groups access ICTs and improve their skills. As a result, community members can improve their livelihoods while libraries can play a greater role within their communities.
We started with nine libraries in five states and paired each library with a local NGO. The libraries provided meeting space and ICT infrastructure. The NGOs contributed their experience in ICT, entrepreneurship, and employability skills training. In the first nine months of the pilot, community members accessed library computers 47,000 times and 985 people received training.

Scaling up for greater impact

Through this pilot, IREX demonstrated to both public and private partners that libraries have great potential to increase community members’ skills and ICT access in a sustainable way.
Over the next year, USPF and NITDA will provide new technology, upgrade current technology, and provide connectivity to up to 70 libraries.
Likewise, Intel will train staff at as many as 70 libraries in Nigeria as part of the She Will Connect initiative. Librarians who receive this training will become Master Trainers, to then be able to train others in their communities on digital skills.

Using a sustainable approach to increase opportunity

According to IREX partner Joseph Emmanuel Yaba, President and CEO of YiSHDA, “the program allowed us to mainstream innovative activities in libraries to reach more people and communities across Nigeria. At least 17 people got jobs as a result of the Career Development Training, and more than 20 businesses were started as a result of the Enterprise and Business Development Training.” The project created opportunities for hundreds of people, including Tina Emmanuel, Chigor Nneka, and Esther Enesi:
  • Tina participated in an ICT and business skills training course through the project. The course gave her the skills she needed to open a business center that provides photocopies, printing, and other business services to her community. Tina now uses the business center’s profits to supplement her family’s income.
  • By participating in the project, Chigor overcame her initial intimidation of computers. She gained new digital skills and earned a promotion in her office.
  • Esther learned entrepreneurship skills through the project. She applied these skills to start her own cake decorating business.
Rooting initiatives in existing institutions makes the results more durable. The public libraries and NGOs who partnered with IREX are now better able to continue the work. That’s good news for everyone—especially for other community members who are seeking job skills and ICT access to improve their livelihoods.


For more information about the beyond access project visit www.irex.org.

Saturday 2 July 2016

International Girls in ICT Day 2016 by YiSHDA

When girls are connected to the world through technology, they are connected to a world of opportunity. Technologies in particular have transformed the lives of billions of people. It functions as a gateway to ideas, resources, and opportunities that never could have been realized before. All around the world, Technology is helping people to imagine new possibilities. But girls are being left behind. Girls have the potential not only to become ICT users, but also become ICT creators that is why the 2016 International Girls in ICT Day event was organized and implemented in Kaduna, North-West of Nigeria where the gap of girls in ICT is the greatest.  In Kaduna, fewer girls than boys show interest in ICT and an enormous gap exists between the boys and girls. Girls in Kaduna must be supported in becoming technologically competitive because when girls are technologically skilled, it plays a significant role in promoting employability and financial independence.
A total 0f 123 Girls from 4 Senior Secondary Schools in Kaduna participated in the 2016 International Girls in ICT Day Event namely: Government Secondary School, Independence Way, Kaduna, Government Secondary School, Kabala, Kaduna, Ansarudeen College School, Kaduna and St. Michaels College, Kaduna.
To commemorate the 2016 International Girls in ICT Day Event, Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA) outlined two unique events which are:
One Day Practical ICT Training on JAVA Programming Language where students were introduced to Essentials of JAVA Programming Language and how to use computers to creatively design web pages and critically solving problems.
A One Day Career Fair on the importance of Girls in ICT.  The career fair provided an avenue for facilitators to inspire girls to pursue careers in the ICT Field.
Barrister Fatima Aliko Mohammed in her presentation told the girls to take off from their minds that women/girls cannot do ICT. She also told the girls how she run a virtual company and leverage on ICT to communicate with her staff. In her words: ICT gives me great fulfilment and women have what it takes to pursue ICT Careers.
Mr. Yusuf A. Leinge is the author of Do It Like Kids and the General Manager of Leinge Consults he spoke about how he used ICT to chart a course for a community project he started. In his words: Your brain is the most important part of you because there is nothing your brain cannot capture. No girl is disadvantaged. The fact that you are a girl does not mean you are disadvantaged.  
Mr. Gabriel Nmadu is the Chief Executive Officer of Business Blueprint Solutions, an Executive Trainer, Online Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and a Pharmacist. In his presentation he spoke about how he uses ICT to buy and sell and also talked about how girls can build a sustainable future for themselves using ICT. In his words: think positive taught because thinking brings positive results. He concluded instructing the girls to start today to choose careers in ICT Field.
The President/CEO of Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA), Joseph Emmanuel Yaba said YiSHDA is still very committed to prepare young girls for careers in the field of ICT and also to encourage and enhance young girl’s education through ICT.  Through the International Girls in ICT Day, YiSHDA will continue to avail young girls the tremendous opportunities which the ICT sector holds for them and their future.
As part of sustainability plan for Girls in ICT in Kaduna State of Nigeria, the Kaduna Coding Club was formally launched were girls will come to learn the basics of coding and will continue to build their interest in ICT. Through the coding club, girls will be inspired to pursue technology related disciplines. The club will help girls with skills that are useful to them. The coding club will be supported by YiSHDA.
 Testimonies and Feedback
During the ICT Career Fair, I have been Inspired not to get discourage about using ICT because I have what it takes to pursue ICT Careers. Khadijah Kabir, Government Girls Secondary School Kabala, Kaduna.
 Girls in ICT event was very educative and thanks to YiSHDA for this great opportunity to be part of this unique event. Habiba Yusuf, St. Michael’s College, Kaduna.
 Getting to learn Java Programming Language was a great opportunity for me. I had seen Java only on my phone and I never imagined I will have the opportunity to learn it. All thanks to Girls in ICT for the platform. Patience Abraham, Government Girls Secondary School Independence Way, Kaduna.
Girls in ICT event was really innovative and has changed my views about ICT. With Girls in ICT, we will really create a better future. Christiana John, Government Girls Secondary School, St. Michael’s College, Kaduna.


Beyond Access Capacity Building Program

As the world gradually move from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), access to information must be a priority for all. In the 21st century, information is a powerful development tool that support communities in a variety of ways and the libraries have a history as trusted community based sources for addressing people’s information need. It has also become a powerful partner to help deliver service that meets personal and economic development.
Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA) in partnership with Beyond Access a program of International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) and with support from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched a FREE Capacity Building Training for Library Users in Abuja and Kaduna.
 The program is aimed at improving the quality of life of people with the necessary skills needed to help themselves especially in the areas of Business and Enterprise Creation, Human Capital Development, ICT for Development and Education.  The participating libraries are FCT Education Resource Center (FCT City Library, Wuse, Zone 4), National Library, Abuja and the Kaduna Branch of the National Library of Nigeria, Bida Road.  

YiSHDA took into account the range of problems faced by young people in the community and outline appropriate programs to empower them by building their capacity in three (3) thematic areas which are ICT4Development, Business/Enterprise and Career/Employability Skills. Teaching people how to be competent basic users of ICT is very important to helping young people be successful in their academic and work careers, and so they can efficiently participate in modern technical society. We have through the Beyond Access Program impacted a total of 950 young people in Abuja and Kaduna. The Beyond Access Program commenced in March 2015 and will last till February 2016.

IDPs Graduate in Skills Acquisition in Abuja

Thirty Internally Dis­placed Persons, (IDPs), camped at Area 1 of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), graduated from a skills acquisition pro­gramme as part of the Beyond Access Project at the FCT City Library and National Library of Nigeria Area 2, Abuja .
The Program was organized by Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA) and with support from the International Research Exchange Board (IREX). Participants were trained in ICT and Business Development.
The President/CEO of YiSHDA, Mr Joseph Emmanuel Yaba commended the trainees for the successful training and urged them to be good ambassadors and to make judicious use of the skills they have acquired to train others as well. Joseph said in partnership with IREX, YiSHDA is happy to contribute its quota in this direction through skills acquisition training for displaced persons.
In her words the Head, FCT City Library, Abuja Hajiya Neemat Abdulrahim ‘’the displaced persons came into the Library depressed, but today they have acquired skills that will make them self-reliant’’. Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire people to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving their quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better.
Beyond Access is an initiative of IREX, EIFL, IFLA, Makaia, Facilitating Change, Development Gateway, The Asia Foundation, READ Global, and with support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Highlights of the event include presentation of certificate to all participants.