The Grow Strong Foundation (GSF) convened a vital capacity-building session for community members and stakeholders of Mairi Ward. The training primarily centered around the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) mechanism, an initiative designed to anticipate and mitigate potential conflicts and crises before they escalate. This training session was an integral component of the UNICEF project entitled “Strengthening the Resilience and Economic Reintegration of Children and Women Exiting Armed Groups and Other Vulnerable Community Children and Women.”
A Proactive Approach to Community Safety
The training program, conducted within the conference hall of GSF, was led by the Accountability Officer, Ms. Esther Micheal Okwori. Approximately twenty stakeholders from Mairi Ward, located within the Jere Local Government Area (LGA), participated in the event. These individuals received instruction on recognizing and addressing indicators of potential threats within their community at an early stage.
Ms. Okwori stressed the significance of the Early Warning, Early Response (EWER) approach, describing it as a proactive strategy designed to anticipate and mitigate potential conflicts, crises, or disasters before they escalate. She emphasized that active engagement and collaboration among community members and stakeholders are essential for the timely sharing of information and the coordination of effective responses. “It is imperative that you strategically synergize all available resources and efforts to safeguard your community by employing EWER mechanisms,” she urged.
The Role of Community Members and Leaders
Community members were recognized as the vanguard of defense, utilizing their mobile communication devices or designated suggestion repositories to report and communicate issues affecting the community. Subsequently, leaders would mobilize and coordinate appropriate community response measures. Miss Okwori emphasized that local authorities and non-governmental organizations have a fundamental responsibility to provide assistance, resources, and specialized knowledge to facilitate EWER initiatives.
Community Feedback and Future Commitments:
Muhammed Adamu, a community member from Mairi Ward, expressed his utmost satisfaction with the instructional methods employed by GSF. He stated, “We were provided with comprehensive training on the mitigation of potential threats in our locality. By diligently implementing these mechanisms, Mairi Ward shall be free from any hazard.”
Bulama Mustapha Baitube, a prominent community leader from Masallacin Mai Allo, expressed his profound appreciation for GSF’s support and their commitments to deliver humanitarian assistance. He emphasized that such support would be particularly beneficial for out-of-school children who are particularly susceptible to environmental and psychosocial hazards. He further added, “A young male individual who lacks meaningful occupation or education poses a significant challenge within our society. Upon our return to our community, we shall mobilize individuals and ensure that this training is disseminated at the grassroots level.”
Strengthening Knowledge on Gender-Based Violence
Participants also discussed the handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases. Aisha Zubairu and Lamisa Yohanna from Mairi appreciated the training, noting that it refreshed and enhanced their existing knowledge on GBV management. They assured GSF that the training would have a lasting impact on their efforts to manage and prevent GBV in their community.