NYSC SDGs CDS Group - Gombe state
Everyone, everywhere - leaving no one behind.
Welcome!
This is the official blog of the SDGs Community Development Service (CDS) group of the NYSC in Gombe State. This platform aims to bring members of the Gombe community closer to the CDS group in order to appreciate what Corp members are doing to promote the global goals. Furthermore, awareness and advocacy initiatives of the group shall be shared on this platform to encourage members of the public to take actions in achieving the SDGs.
About Us
Want to know about who we are?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) is among the 18 CDS groups run by Corp members in their various places of primary assignments.
The major aim of the initiative is the execution of projects and programmes that will improve the quality of life and living conditions of their host communities.
The SDGs CDS group has been mandated to create awareness and actualize the Sustainable Development Goals in Gombe state. This is achieved through advocacy and awareness programs targeted at stakeholders, young people and market women as well as the initiation of projects in line with the global goals. Also, the group partners with other CDS groups and local NGOs on projects that aims to localize the SDGs in the state.
Our Projects
Advocacy: Tackling the Almajiri Challenge
Among other important initiatives the group engages in, advocating for issues affecting our host communities is paramount.
Talk about the Almajiri system which is predominant in the northern part of Nigeria. Ever heard about that term before? Most likely, yes or maybe no. Let's dig a bit deeper.
An almajiri is simply a learner. The system predates the colonization of Nigeria where young boys were sent to islamic scholars to learn Arabic and Islam. The arrival of western education led to a neglect of the system by the government of the day. The result? The children you see on the streets trying to raise money for sustenance and upkeep.
Sad as it may seems, it also presents an opportunity for Corp members to act to address this challenge. Public advocacy and development of the human and social capital of these children are some of the ways to take action.
Partnership with RHEM to Celebrate 2018 World Environmental Health Day
The SDGs CDS group partnered with Rural Health Mission Nigeria (RHEM), Gombe state to mark the 2018 World Environmental Health Day. The event which was the first in it's kind had as a theme, food safety and sustainability. Major activities carried out was a visit to the Bauchi park, which is one of the largest park in the state where members of the group participated in a clean up of the park. Furthermore, awareness campaign was carried out on the need for food and water hygiene by food vendors in the park. This was done to prevent cholera outbreak in the state and instil in park users the values of sanitation.
Advocating for Hand washing in Gombe State
To commemorate the Global Hand Washing Day in Gombe State on the 25th of October, the CDS group visited the Jauro Tudun Wada Primary School. The purpose was to instil the values of good handwashing practices in the children so as to prevent diarrhoeal-related illnesses. The event featured a health talk on the importance of handwashing and a practice session on proper handwashing.
Capacity Building Seminar by Jewel Environment on SDGs 15
In a bid to build the capacity of group members on SDGs 15 (Life on Land), Jewel Environment, a foremost climate change advocacy organization in Gombe state facilitated an awareness training on the 25th of October, 2018. The aim of the training was to explore the SDGs 15, highlight the work of local organizations in actualising the SDGs 15 using Jewel Environment as case study and discuss possible opportunities for volunteering/career growth in SDGs 15.
Geotagging for a Sustainable Gombe
The CDS group organized a cycling event on the 24th of November, 2018 to promote a cycling culture (SDGs 3) among young people in Gombe state. Most importantly, the event served as a Meetup for passionate individuals working around SDGs 11 to build a sustainable transportation system in Gombe state. Participants uploaded strategic locations in the state on Google map, thereby reducing difficulties in locating places. The event was organized in partnership with Local Guides Gombe.
Visit to Almajiri Kids (Project X)
Project X is an initiative of the group intended to reach out to Almajiri kids in Gombe state. There are different tsangaya (or settlements) where these boys are taught mainly Islamic lessons. The aim of the initiative is to secure the health of the boys (SDGs 3 and 6) and provide valuable life skills for self-sustenace (SDGs 1,2,8).
The group carried out it's first activity in this project by making a visit to Nasarawo Tsangaya. Members of the group interacted with the boys. A seminar on health was given. The aim of the seminar was to advise the boys against open defecation, encouraging them to keep their environment clean and tidy. The group was highly commended by the supervisors of the Tsangaya.
The group aims to groom the children to become good ambassadors to their peers, community and society at large.
Want to get in touch with us?
When do we meet?
We meet centrally every thursday between the hours of 8a.m to 11a.m where we brainstorm on issues affecting the group, the projects we are working on and other personal development initiatives.
Once the CDS meetings are over, we proceed to carry out the different initiatives we are engaged in to better our communities.