One of AUN's landmark programs, the Yola EcoSentials, was relaunched on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, in the library auditorium. President Margee Ensign, who led senior management at the relaunch ceremony attended by students, staff, faculty, and representatives of civil society groups, recalled the positive effect the Yola EcoSentials (AUN YES!) had on the local Community. The project was an eloquent expression of the AUN Development mission that both impacted the environment and created sustainable livelihood support for women and their families.
"All of the good things in life happen when women have income and education, and we are deeply committed to that at AUN for you and for many women that we can reach," said Dr. Ensign.
Director of AUN's Sustainability program, Raymond Obindu, told of how the Yola Ecosential project started as a waste management program with a vision to keep Yola and its environment clean, generate income through sales of table covers, key holders, center rugs, and other creative designs made by women involved in the project, and create a community where people from different social and cultural backgrounds can collaborate to protect the environment.
"This project helped women and girls gain confidence and improve self-esteem," said Mr. Raymond. He further explained how the Waste-to-Wealth project significantly reduced noise levels inside AUN's administrative buildings by the use of local sound-mufflers beautifully designed and created from waste products.
A beneficiary of the YES project, Mrs. Cecilia Yohanna, said she benefited financially by participating in the project and paying her children's school fees.
"I gained confidence as a person, grew in the program to become a trainer of other participants, even travelling to other cities for training." Mrs. Yohanna said she plans to establish an organization to continue training other women to participate in the program.
"You train a woman, you train a nation," said Ms. Galaxy Thami, a representative of NANGO and CEO of Hope and Rural Aid Foundation (HARAF), who witnessed the relaunch. She also said she is excited and amazed to see beautiful products made from waste and expressed interest in partnering with AUN on the sustainability project.
A CMD senior, Ms. Eunice John, said she is thrilled by the AUN YES! project, and that the displayed craft designs have inspired her to think deeply about conserving the environment.
Reported by Rebecca Ikponwonba