Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities of Vulnerable population and Returning Migrants (RECONNECT) Project

The Reintegration and Empowerment for Connecting and Nurturing Opportunities of Vulnerable Populations and Returning Migrants (RECONNECT) project, funded by GIZ and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria, is an initiative designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable groups in Nigeria. These include returned migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, and those impacted by insurgency and natural disasters.

Focusing on economic stability, social stability, psychosocial support, and capacity building, the RECONNECT project aims to enhance the well-being and opportunities for these marginalized populations. The project seeks to empower individuals by providing vocational training, startup kits, mentoring, and access to critical services such as healthcare, legal aid, and social protection programs.

With a targeted focus on the states of Edo, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), where vulnerable groups are most concentrated, RECONNECT works to ensure the sustainable reintegration and empowerment of these individuals.

Project Main Actions

Economic Stability Focus: Key Activities

The RECONNECT Project’s economic stability focus aims to empower vulnerable beneficiaries through targeted support and training:

• Vocational Training
  • 400 beneficiaries will receive vocational training, including tech skills (e.g., social media marketing, e-commerce, digital tools). Training will be accredited, with participants receiving recognized certifications and life skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving, decision-making) to enhance personal and professional development.
• Business Startup Kits
  • 400 trained beneficiaries will receive comprehensive startup kits, including essential tools (e.g., sewing machines, gardening tools, inventory), marketing materials, and safety gear to support business launch and growth.
• Integration into Cooperatives
  • Beneficiaries will be integrated into existing cooperatives, enhancing collaboration, resource-sharing, and mentorship within their communities, fostering sustainable business growth.
• Training for Cooperative Leaders
  • 60 cooperative leaders (20 per state) will receive specialized leadership and financial management training to strengthen cooperative structures and systems.
• Business Fair & Market Linkages
  • A business fair will be organized per state, with opportunities for participation in regional fairs through AfCFTA, enhancing visibility and market access for beneficiaries.
• Business and Marketing Skills
  • Beneficiaries will receive business and marketing training, focusing on micro-enterprise fundamentals, with 100 cooperative members receiving direct cooperative management skills.
• Support to Cooperatives
  • 15 cooperatives will receive equipment and resources to support joint activities, encouraging beneficiary integration and fostering sustainability.

Under the RECONNECT Project's social stability component, the project will focus on providing essential services and support to beneficiaries

• Provision of First Response Health Services & Legal Linkages
  • Emergency health services will be provided to 10% (40) beneficiaries, especially returnees, through a retainership with health providers. 5% (20) beneficiaries will receive access to pro-bono legal services, assisting with issues like immigration challenges.
  • The project will make efforts for beneficiaries to be linked to social protection initiatives (e.g., conditional cash transfers, NPower) through targeted advocacy.
• Two-Way Referral System for Services
  • A two-way referral system will connect beneficiaries to specialized services, with 20% of beneficiaries expected to require referrals. An escort model will be implemented to provide transport for beneficiaries to ensure referral completion, enhancing access to necessary support services.

Under the PSS component, the project aims to support the mental well-being and resilience of vulnerable groups:

• Provision of Psychosocial Support
  • All participants will receive basic PSS support during onboarding. 20% (80) beneficiaries, especially returnees, will receive specialized PSS services to address trauma and aid reintegration, delivered by a retained service provider.
• Private Sector Engagements
  • The project will engage the private sector within a CSR framework to support beneficiaries through employment, capital injection, or other resources. A roundtable meeting will be held to foster partnerships for long-term empowerment and replicable models.
• Comprehensive Service Referral Directory
  • A directory will be developed to streamline referrals to essential services (health, legal, psychosocial, social protection) for beneficiaries, ensuring timely and effective support.

The RECONNECT Project’s capacity building component strengthens CSOs and MDAs in migration management and service delivery:

• Training for CSOs
  • 4 specialized trainings for 20 CSOs on psychosocial first aid, sexual harassment, referral systems, and feminist migration policy to enhance support for vulnerable populations.
• Bi-annual CSO Meetings
  • Bi-annual roundtable meetings will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and action planning among CSOs and stakeholders to improve service delivery.
• Mentorship Programme
  • A mentorship programme will connect beneficiaries with experienced business leaders for skill development, networking, and guidance on business management and financial literacy.