The Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA) is an initiative organized by the Centre for Rural Youth Entrepreneurship and Environmental Development, with support from the Federal Government, UNCDF, UNIDO, and the EU as funding partners. The program aims to provide skill acquisition opportunities to rural youth in Nigeria, with the goal of creating income-earning opportunities, reducing youth restiveness, discouraging rural-urban drift, and promoting local economic growth. This article explores the components of the RYSA program, the benefits to trainees and master trainers, and the eligibility requirements for participation.

The Training Components

1. Practical/Hands-on Training:
   • Beneficiaries undergo practical training in their chosen skill areas, provided by Master Trainers designated across different communities nationwide.
   • The training focuses on equipping participants with the practical skills necessary for success in their chosen enterprises.
2. Community Business School (CBS) Training:
   • All RYSA beneficiaries are required to undertake the CBS training once a week for twelve weeks during the practical/hands-on training.
   • The CBS program aims to equip participants with essential life and business skills critical for success in both personal and entrepreneurial endeavors.
   • The CBS course outline includes topics such as introduction to business, customer relations, marketing, bookkeeping, community service and volunteerism, business networking, and business modeling.

List of Skill-Sets/Enterprises/Ventures

The RYSA program offers training in various skill sets and ventures, including:

• Aluminum Profiling
• Catering and Confectioneries
• Electrical Installations and Repairs
• Fashion and Design
• Hairdressing
• Makeover
• Plumbing
• POP, Screed Making, and Painting
• Tiling
• Welding and Fabrication
• Woodwork and Furniture
• Solar Works
• Auto Mechanic

Selection Process and Eligibility Requirements

Interested candidates must enroll and pass a proficiency test in their chosen skill area to be eligible for the program. Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Age: Applicants must be between eighteen (18) to thirty-five (35) years old.
• Rural Origin: Candidates must hail from a rural community across the 36 states in Nigeria.
• Education: Applicants must have at least a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) or higher.
• Interest and Basic Knowledge: Candidates must have a basic knowledge of any of the listed enterprises/ventures and demonstrate an interest in the RYSA program.
• Willingness to Learn: Applicants must be willing to learn new skills in their chosen area to help grow their personal ventures after the training course.

Benefits to RYSA Trainees

1. Monthly Stipend:
   • Beneficiaries receive a minimum monthly stipend of N50,000 during the six-month training period with RYSA.
2. Startup Packs:
   • Trainees receive startup packs consisting of work tools and seed grants.
   • The work tools are equipment provided to beneficiaries at the end of the training, enabling them to start their own enterprises.
   • Seed grants provide financial support for their ventures as new employers of manpower.

Benefits to RYSA Master Trainers

1. Financial Incentives:
   • Master Trainers engaged full-time receive regular grant payments of ₦500,000 per month for a six-month period to help cover wage costs.
2. National Platform and Professional Development:
   • Master Trainers have the opportunity to contribute to relevant industry public policy issues and be part of a national platform.
   • Engagement as a Master Trainer offers a compelling opportunity for professional improvement and development.

3. Appeal as an Employer:
   • Serving as a Master Trainer and providing training and growth opportunities for RYSA trainees can make your enterprise an appealing employer.
   • This can attract prospective employees in the future who are eager to be part of your organization.

Application Process

1. Step 1: Complete the Online Application:
   • Interested candidates should complete and submit the online application form, which requires registration with a valid email address and setting up contact information.
   • Required documents include a passport photograph, local government certificate of origin, birth certificate or sworn affidavit of age declaration, and a means of identification (NIN, voter’s ID, driver’s license, or international passport).
2. Step 2: Select a Skill-Set/Enterprises/Ventures:
   • Applicants need to select one preferred skill set/enterprise for training and empowerment with RYSA.
   • The duration of the training is six months.
3. Step 3: Motivation/Personal Statement:
   • Candidates are required to complete an online motivation/personal statement form.
   • The statement should focus on their motivations for applying to the RYSA program, how the knowledge gained will benefit them and their rural community.
4. Step 3: Proficiency Skill Test Enrollment & Guarantors:
   • Candidates need to enroll in the proficiency skill test, which is mandatory for all applicants.
   • A fee may apply for the test.
   • Candidates are also required to submit a guarantor form as part of the application process.
5. Step 4: Application Summary:
   • Applicants should review their applications carefully before clicking the submit button.
   • It is essential to ensure that all information is entered correctly and there are no typographical errors.
   • Once submitted, no corrections can be made.
   • Applicants may restart the application if needed but will be required to retake the proficiency skill test with the correct information.

Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme 2023

If you are interested in learning more about the Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA) in Nigeria, you can reach out to the Centre for Rural Youth Entrepreneurship and Environmental Development. They can provide you with detailed information and answer any queries you may have. You can contact them at Plot 743, Durumi Phase 1, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria. For further assistance, you can reach out to Kola Adegbite at +234 (0) 808 034 6379 or Ademola Kazeem at +234 (0) 909 723 4392. Alternatively, you can also email them at support@rysa.ng. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to explore the opportunities offered by RYSA in 2023.

Conclusion

The Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA) in Nigeria is a valuable initiative aimed at providing rural youth with skill acquisition opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. By offering practical/hands-on training and Community Business School (CBS) training, RYSA equips beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen enterprises. The program’s benefits, including monthly stipends, startup packs, and professional development opportunities for Master Trainers, contribute to empowering rural youth and promoting economic growth in local communities. The eligibility requirements and application process ensure a fair selection process, and the program holds significant potential in addressing unemployment, reducing youth restiveness, and encouraging rural development.