AHERO RESOURCE CENTRE

The Ahero Community Resource Center is a project that was initiated by CIVS in collaboration with the local community in 2009 with an aim to build and strengthen the community’s capacity to be self-reliant and to improve their living standards. The Centre achieves this by demonstrating how to utilize the locally available resources, to develop the community and generate income. The Center has been collaborating with the local community in various development fields through diverse capacity-building programs support and services they offer. These programs include:

Early Childhood Education Program: The center runs a kindergarten with about 90 children aged between 2-6 years who are either vulnerable to poverty, orphans, infected or affected with HIV/AIDS. The children get free education and meals at the school. In the evening they go back home where they stay with their caregivers or guardians.

ICT, Work Preparedness and Business Training: The center provides a community hub for access of free training in computer skills and work preparedness, especially to the youths. This enables them to have increased ICT knowledge and exposure in the evolving world of technology. Work preparedness training prepares them to be viable in the job market by improving their skills and competency for employment. The center has partnered with other stakeholders to provide Business training to the local people which is enabling them to start small business ventures to generate income.

The Model Farm: This is an agricultural-based unit that offers space for practical-oriented training in the field of agriculture and Agri-Business. This provides the community with an opportunity to learn how to carry out various best farming operations and practices of various crops to maximize food production and improve food security and income generation. This project encompasses greenhouses, open farm, poultry unit, fish ponds,etc. The harvest is sold in the local markets and the proceeds used as a source of income that sustains the activities of the center.

Water Program: This project is focused on the treatment of tap water to become clean and safe for all domestic use in the community. The water is therefore connected in homesteads and sold at an economy-friendly and affordable fee as part of the income-generating activity for the center. The centre is also equipped with comprehensive rainwater harvesting infrastructure to fully utilize the short and heavy rains experienced across the area.

Feeding Program: Occasionally, the center runs a feeding program for a select group of needy children during school days by offering breakfast and lunch. This helps to improve the concentration of the children in the class, to motivate them to attend to school and also helps to improve their nutritional health. The efficiency of the program depends on the availability of food and support resources.

Cassava Value Addition: CIVS has set up a cassava processing and storage facility which also serves as a training section for agricultural value addition. Additionally, the project has installed a bakery facility where nutritious cassava cakes and bread are prepared to boost the children's feeding program and generate income for the project.
Disability program: The project supports People with Disabilities (PWDs) with few skills training like sign language, cloth making, agriculture, business training, ICT and work readiness, etc. as a way of promoting inclusivity in the community.