During a community engagement meeting, LPF’s team met with local leaders to discuss the upcoming liquid soap production training. The leaders were informed about the planned activity and the support required to mobilize participants. They expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the training, recognizing its potential to build resilience in the community and stimulate the local economy.
All details of the training plan were communicated clearly to ensure a successful and impactful program, as an organization, our selection process prioritized the ability to maintain liquid soap production in targeted locations, guided by input from community leaders. These leaders considered factors such as disability and vulnerability within households. Our focus areas include Umbaza Rockside IDP Camp, Damara Arrival Centre IDP Camp, and the Host Community.
We’ve identified a total of fifty (50) women and adolescent girls to partake in the liquid soap production training. Specifically, we’ve selected 12 from Umbaza Rockside IDP Camp, 24 from Damara Arrival Centre IDP Camp, 9 from the Business Women in the Host Community, and 5 individuals from the Persons with Disability group.
The Objective Of This Liquid Soap ProductionProgram Is Threefold:
- To support the livelihood of the targeted affected population: By teaching women in Pulka IDP camps and the surrounding host community how to produce liquid soap, we aim to provide them with a source of income and help them become self-reliant. This will enable them to support their families and contribute to the local economy.
- To boost self-reliance and improve the local economy of PULKA community through the provision of training on soap production: By providing training on soap production, we aim to empower women in the community to start their own soap-making businesses. This will not only provide them with a source of income but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the area.
- To encourage good hygiene practices by making liquid soap available in the community: By producing liquid soap locally, we aim to make it more affordable and accessible to community members. This will encourage proper hygiene practices, which is essential for preventing the spread of diseases in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.”
The training was held on the 19th to 20th December, 2023 and the venue for the excise was at Government Day Secondary School Pulka, Gwoza LGA, Borno State. (Mega School Pulka)
During the liquid soap production training, the participants were first introduced to the objectives of the program and informed that the training would focus on building their capacity, which they could then share with other members of the community.
The soap-making process and the chemicals required were explained, as well as the functions of each chemical. Safety and precautionary measures were emphasized before moving on to the practical sessions. The steps involved in soap making were discussed, as well as a more flexible approach to the process based on budget or available resources. The participants were taken through all eleven steps of administration during the theoretical portion of the training before beginning the practical sessions.
The beneficiaries were educated on packaging strategies for their products and how to effectively engage their intended market through various container sizes. They were also instructed on pricing techniques aimed at enticing potential buyers.
This liquid soap production training was aimed at supporting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and also to facilitate women’s participation in improving the economy and to improve their standard of living.
Lindii Peace Foundation, supported by funding from NHF, is actively involved in addressing the needs of camps, host communities, and returning populations in Pulka. This intervention includes ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and promoting community health through messaging initiatives. Additionally, hygiene kits are being provided as part of this effort.
