According to the United Nations’ (U.N.) latest global gender gap index, Nigeria ranks 130 out of 162 countries in the gender inequality index. Many women, particularly those in rural areas, are being denied access to education and employment, unlike their male counterparts. Additionally, youth unemployment remains high in Nigeria, with more than 50% of young people either unemployed or underemployed, contributing significantly to poverty. Furthermore, PWDs face systemic barriers to education, employment and health care, further deepening impoverishment across communities.

Preston Development Foundation

Preston Development Foundation (PDF-Africa) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives and well-being of individuals, especially women, young adults and PWDs, through sustainable and strategic initiatives. With a mission rooted in sustainable and impactful societal change, the organization focuses on four strategic pillars: Education, Health, Gender Equality and Financial Inclusion. These issues require a multi-faceted strategic methodology. Thus, PDF-Africa adopts a holistic, community-centered approach to tackling challenges in education, health, gender equality and financial inclusion. Its methodology is anchored in collaboration, sustainability and empowerment, focusing on community-driven solutions that encourage individuals and stakeholders to take an active role in community development.

The significance of PDF-Africa works lies in the widespread impact of these changes. Limited access to education, inadequate health, gender discrimination and financial exclusion continue to hinder the progress of vulnerable groups across Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By developing tailored interventions in these areas, PDF-Africa seeks to bridge these gaps, create equitable opportunities and improve overall quality of life. Through a holistic approach, the organization empowers individuals through capacity building and skill acquisition. PDF-Africa aims to help them break free from cycles of poverty and marginalization, fostering long-term development and resilience.

A Combination of Approaches

PDF-Africa implements targeted programs such as training, health education programs and digital literacy programs to address gaps and increase employment opportunities and career choice pathways for adolescents. In addition, the organization conducts public awareness campaigns and outreaches to raise awareness and increase knowledge gain, ensuring that individuals and the community are well-informed to act and make informed decisions.

By utilizing a combination of approaches, PDF-Africa not only addresses the issues in society but also empowers individuals and communities to thrive, act and make informed decisions for themselves. This approach enables PDF-Africa to drive sustainable change within the communities it serves.

Improving Lives

Through targeted interventions in health, education and empowerment, PDF-Africa has made significant strides in improving the lives and well-being of women. These initiatives include enhancing functional literacy, providing young adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene products and awareness and offering training to boost digital literacy in today’s evolving world. As a result, PDF-Africa is expanding opportunities and increasing employability rates among its beneficiaries.

In recent years, PDF-Africa has made strides in expanding access to STEM education for women and girls of color. It has reached more than 180 participants through initiatives like the Yan Matan Arewa Hackathon Initiative and Search Engine Training. Through partnerships with individuals, public schools and tech companies, PDF-Africa has provided participants with resources, materials, computers and financial support to enhance their learning experience and open pathways in STEM fields.

Additionally, PDF-Africa has made a significant impact on the lives and health of girls and women in vulnerable communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Between 2018 and 2024, PDF-Africa reached more than 4,000 young women and girls across 10 secondary schools and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja, providing essential support and resources. In 2023, the nonprofit organization extended its efforts beyond distributing menstrual hygiene products to include educational campaigns in schools lacking menstrual health knowledge.

Conclusion

PDF-Africa’s comprehensive, community-centered approach is making strides in reducing gender inequality, improving youth employment prospects and fostering inclusion for marginalized groups in Nigeria. Through targeted interventions in education, health, gender equality and financial inclusion, PDF-Africa empowers individuals and communities to break cycles of poverty and marginalization. By equipping women, young adults and PWDs with the skills and resources they need to thrive, the initiative is not only enhancing lives but also driving long-term, sustainable development across Nigeria.

– Staff Reports
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