Huzaifa Jamil Haruna is a youth who is passionate about empowering others. He founded the El Huxaipha Vocational Centre in Kano city, where he teaches young minds the art of entrepreneurship. The Chemistry Biology student at the Saadatu Rimi College of Education in Kano state spoke about his passion in this interview.
How did you cultivate this passion for entrepreneurship?
When I was in the primary school, some vocational trainers used to visit our school and they taught us theoretical and practical aspect of vocational skills. It was very interesting and this motivated me to become a vocational trainer.
You run a vocational training centre. How do you operate?
I go to my vocational training centre in Shahuchi Primary School around 9:00am daily. I also attend Islamic class from 1:00pm to 3:30pm. I also have another set of trainees I teach, this time they are adults and married women. So everything about the vocation is routined to ensure we deliver effective skills to others.
What has been the key challenge of running a vocation as yours?
The major challenge I ever faced in my life is leg problem which restricted me from doing so many of my work. I could not attend important competition because of this. More so, there are times that people misunderstand the work that I do when I talk of them enrolling for vocational training. They think it’s a new way to scamming people. However, I am gradually getting over that challenge as more people graduate from the centre.
What new project is the centre working on?
The current project I am working on is training people who are disabled, widows and orphans for free to see that they can fend for themselves. This is ongoing and we are seeking more support at the centre to realise more of this.
What do you do to stay competitive?
When I am free, I engage myself in thinking and researching new ways that I will improve my centre and productivity. I also research on trending ways of imparting knowledge to my students.
How long have you operated your vocational centre?
I opened my vocational training centre in Shahuchi Primary School and it has been running for about five years. We have produced graduates from the centre and we have our social media platforms for engaging with members of the public. Using Facebook and WhatsApp platforms, we reach out to more persons who are interested in getting trained in what we do.
What is the capacity of your centre?
I have right now about 150 new students who are currently undergoing various trainings in the centre. To fund the training, I source funds from my products that we do at the centre. We are into tie and dye (T-shirt design), shoe and bags and other items. I use the money to help orphans and widow students to buy materials for their practicals.
What are you doing to partner in expanding your centre?
I am presently trying to collaborate with some NGOs and other government stakeholders to help and support me to continue to help our people, especially youths and women because they are the leaders of tomorrow.
What are your words to other youths on self reliance?
If the youths will devote their time, If they strive and struggle towards the achievement of their goals, God willing, their dreams will come true.
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