In line with AYGF’s mission to ensure maximum impact for minorities and vulnerable communities, we are thrilled to announce our latest initiative: the BLOOM (Bridging Learning Opportunities for Out of School Minors) Project. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with girls disproportionately affected, making up 62% of the over 20 million children lacking access to education. This represents a significant rise of over 96% from the previous estimate of 10.5 million in 2021. In response to this alarming increase, AYGF held a Pre-launch of the Bridging Learning Opportunities for Out-of-School Minors (directly addressing the core issues outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Ensuring Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all). The pre-launch was held July 4th 2024 at LEA Primary School in the Karonmajigi community, FCT Abuja and Key stakeholders, including representatives from UNESCO, FCT-UBEB, CSACEFA, and Karonmajigi community leaders graced the event. Our Executive Director, Dr Arome Salifu in his opening remark, noted that the major goal of the BLOOM Project is to get at least 2 million out-of-school children aged 5-10 back to school by 2030. He further stated that the BLOOM initiative represents AYGF’s commitment to starting small but impactful efforts in communities like Karonmajigi to create a world where every child has the opportunity to be educated. The event featured a welcome rendition and drama performance by the pupils showcasing the impact of drug abuse on young people. To inspire these students and keep education at the forefront of their minds, AYGF paid the fees for 65 at-risk students and will enrol 30 out-of-school pupils from the community into the school by September 2024. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these children, and together we can ensure every child has a chance to BLOOM. AYGF Enrolls 30 Vulnerable, Poor Children Into Primary School In Abuja Community
AYGF TAKES CLIMATE EDUCATION TO 100 STUDENTS OF JSS KADO-KACHI AND JSS GARKI II.
In a bid to continue protecting the environment and raising young environmentalists, AYGF, in partnership with NESREA, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and other organizations, visited JSS Kado-Kuchi and Jss Garki 2 to educate the Young Farmers’ Club on the importance of tree planting. Trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem acting as windbreakers by reducing wind speeds and protecting crops and soil from erosion. Additionally, trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, contribute to biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife, and help combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide. Educating young farmers on these benefits encourages sustainable agricultural practices and fosters a greater appreciation for environmental stewardship. 50 plants were planted around the school to encourage and further drive home the importance of tree planting and through this initiative, we impacted over 100 students in the schools and educated them on ways to safeguard the earth.
AYGF EDUCATES 100 STUDENTS AT LEA 1 WUSE ZONE 2 ON SAFE PRACTICES TO PREVENT CHOLERA
Nigeria has had to grapple with an unexpected increase in Cholera cases in the last few weeks. A situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates over 1000 suspected cases, across 31 states. As part of our ongoing efforts to combat the Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria, AYGF recently took the awareness campaign to LEA 1 Wuse Zone 2. The team engaged with over 100 pupils, emphasizing the critical importance of handwashing, and other ways to prevent the spread of cholera.. Handwashing with soap can significantly reduce the transmission of cholera and other infectious diseases. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective measures to prevent the spread of germs. By educating children, we are empowering the next generation to adopt healthy habits that can protect their families and communities.
AYGF AT NILE UNIVERSITY CAREER FAIR
AYGF was thrilled to be a part of the Nile University Career Fair yesterday. Our team, led by the Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu, alongside the Senior HR Officer Ese Moweo, and Head of Programs Nelson Egbunu, had the opportunity to connect with students and discuss the work we do at AYGF in driving impact and change in the society. We were passionate about sharing information on the various thematic areas where students can get involved. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment of the future generation. Opportunities to get involved with AYGF, either through volunteering or internship programs, were also presented to the students. We look forward to staying connected and supporting these young leaders as they embark on their careers.
AYGF COMMEMORATES CHILDREN’S DAY 2024
AYGF celebrated our leaders of tomorrow and the boundless potentials of every child on May 27th, in honor of Children’s Day. Every dream deserves a chance, every voice deserves to be heard, and every child deserves a life full of joy and opportunities. In light of this celebration, let’s unite to ensure every child has the right to education, good healthcare, good food, love and protection. “For every child, every right”
AYGF PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
The train of partnership meeting moved to the Australian High Commission. Led by the Executive Director, Dr. Arome Salifu, the meeting focused on building future collaboration and partnership to tackle issues around Education. Warmly received by the Second secretary of AHC and Political and Economic Officer, Mr Calum Walker and Tosin Gbolasere, they applauded AYGF for the good work done so far in ensuring access to education for all. We look forward to a great collaboration for a sustainable future.
AYGF PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO UNESCO
The AYGF team led by the Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu also visited the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The team was well received by Oladeji Adeyemi the National Project Officer (Education For Health and Wellbeing) The strategic meeting with UNESCO touched on the need to increase the impact in the education sector, and performance in the development space in Nigeria.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ICT GIRLS
Empowering the Next Generation: International Day of Girls in ICT 2024 Globally, only 20% of tech jobs are held by women. This statistic highlights the significant gender disparity in the tech industry and underscores the urgent need for initiatives that encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT theme is “Leadership,” at AYGF, we embraced this theme by organizing an event to sensitize and inspire 20 young girls. The AYGF Program Officers Ifeoluwa Prince and Caroline Godwin, IT Manager Shedrach Obi, and Communications Officer Ikenna Madu with their combined expertise and enthusiasm provided a rich, engaging experience for the participants. During the event, our team shared valuable insights into the tech industry, discussed the various opportunities available, and emphasized the importance of leadership in shaping the future of ICT. The girls participated in interactive sessions designed to build their confidence and equip them with the skills to navigate and succeed in the tech world. As we celebrate the 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering girls through education and leadership development. By investing in these young minds today, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry tomorrow.
MASS FAILURE IN JAMB AND ITS RESULTANT EFFECT ON SOCIETY
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently released the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) results, revealing a significant number of candidates scoring below the benchmark of 200. This recent discovery has raised concerns about educational attainment amongst the young ones and its impact on Nigerian society. According to data from JAMB 76% of candidates scored below 200 a substantial decline in performance compared to previous years. Out of nearly 2 million registered candidates, over 80,000 were absent. While 1.9 million attempted the exam, results for over 64,000 are withheld for potential examination malpractice. These statistics paint a worrying picture as a high number of students failing JAMB creates a bottleneck in accessing tertiary education. This can have several downstream effects and a huge setback for Nigeria especially in a competitive world, where Nigerian universities rank very poorly among their continental and global peers. Students who fail JAMB face a delay in their educational goals and this not only impacts their individual aspirations but also creates a backlog of applicants vying for limited university placements. A large pool of graduates without higher education can contribute to the growing issue of unemployment, underemployment and also lead to frustration and a sense of lost potential within the youth which could also give room for high crime rate. As a non-governmental organization dedicated to educational development, we believe a multi-pronged approach is crucial: Strengthening Secondary Education: Improving the quality of secondary education, including robust teacher training and curriculum development, can better prepare students for standardized tests like JAMB. Alternative Pathways: Exploring alternative routes to higher education, such as vocational training or skill development programs, can offer opportunities for students who may not excel in traditional academic settings. Psychological Support: Addressing the anxiety and pressure surrounding standardized tests through counseling services can help students perform to their full potential. The recent JAMB results highlight the need for a comprehensive look at our education system. We urge stakeholders, including government, educational institutions, and NGOs, to work together to create a system that fosters learning, supports student success, and equips young Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. We will continue to analyze these trends in the educational sector and offer insights on how we can collectively work towards improving educational outcomes for Nigerian youth.
AYGF 2024 ANNUAL STAFF RETREAT: REPOSITION, ENERGIZE TO SUSTAIN EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING (R.E.S.E.T 2024)
In the pursuit of personal and professional development, the Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) recently hosted a transformative retreat centered around the theme RESET – Reposition and Energize to Sustain Excellence through Training. The retreat, held at a serene location, brought together a diverse group of speakers eager to impact the team, reset their perspectives, refine their skills, and renew their commitment to excellence, the bedrock of every organization that strives to achieve Smart goals. We also had in attendance Our teams from Kogi, Niger, and Katsina States in a bid to promote synergy amongst all. AYGF was privileged to have in attendance high-profile speakers such as Dr. Charles Usie, the Nigeria Country Director of Plan International; Kingsley Bangwel, Founder at Youngstars Development Initiative; Dr. Adeadebayo Shuaib FCA, FCCA, FCITN, Director of Finance & Administration on the ACE Project; Hussaini Abdu PhD., the Nigerian Country Director of Care International; Dennis Agbeti, A Mental Health & Behavioural Expert, and Dr. Tope Ojeme MNIPR, NMMA, a Development Communication expert among others. The first pillar of the RESET theme emphasized the importance of repositioning oneself for success. The Staff engaged in workshops and discussions identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, through exercises and team-building activities, participants gained valuable insights into their personal and professional identities. By understanding where they stand, attendees were better equipped to chart a course for future success. The second component of the retreat focused on energizing participants through targeted training initiatives. Renowned speakers and facilitators shared their expertise on different subjects, including leadership, communication, and innovation. Interactive and hands-on Training Workshops were designed to provide practical skills that apply to participants’ respective fields. The infusion of fresh ideas and perspectives energized the attendees, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to continuous learning. The final phase of the retreat concentrated on sustaining excellence, emphasizing the importance of growth and development. Attendees were encouraged to create personalized action plans that outlined their goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Mentorship programs were established to provide ongoing support and sustain the momentum gained during the retreat. Participants left the retreat with a clear vision of their future paths and a heightened sense of determination to sustain excellence in their endeavors.
