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.
Today’s Interconnected World
In today’s interconnected world, where barriers often separate us, we’re invited to embrace a profound idea. It’s the notion that, irrespective of our backgrounds, our voices are essential. Together, we possess the power to shape a world that’s more just, inclusive, and harmonious. Join the conversation, because this world belongs to all of us, collectively. Kudos to @dheeyerh, our Youth Ambassador for delivering this beautiful message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk_rcJjHmbs
NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop
The NG-CARES Methodology Harmonization Workshop for Third Party Monitors Consultants spanned two days. On the first day, the Third-Party Monitors (TPM) presented their findings on the Inception Report and shared their strategies for executing their projects. Representatives from the World Bank, Federal Cares Support Unit (FCSU), and Bank of Industry (BOI) provided feedback and suggested adjustments to the presentations. The projects were categorized into three result areas, each further divided into six Disbursement Link Indicators (DLIs) – DLI (1.1), (1.2), (1.3), DLI (2.1), (2.2), (2.3), DLI (3.1), (3.2), and (3.3). During the second day, the workshop focused on syndicate group discussions, where all TPMs collaborated to develop a standardized reporting template and monitoring plan. They also conducted stakeholder mapping, identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary stakeholders. Various data collection tools, beneficiary reporting templates, and other relevant aspects were addressed as part of the workshop’s objectives.
Local Fundraising
In a bid to expand its operations in Nigeria, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with Ford Foundation under the Changethe Game Academy program, delivered a training session for nine civil society organizations in Abuja. The training session which lasted from Monday 17 to Friday 21 July, 2023 had in attendance, Mr. Abdulrahman Abubakar and Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH of Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF). This course which was on Local Fundraising was aimed to equip CSOs and NGOs in Nigeria to fundraise within the country.Throughout the training, participants gained valuable insights andknowledge on effective fundraising strategies within the local context. Our Program Officer, Mr. Clement Enenmoh, MPH was recognized as the MOST OUTSTANDING male participant for the training. AYGF now stands at the dawn of a new era, armed with the right knowledge to advance her mission and make positive impacts.
World Social Justice Day
2023 Theme: Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice. Today is World Day of Social Justice! It’s a time to reflect on how we can create a more equitable and fair world for all. In 2009, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the importance of social justice in promoting world peace, security, and progress. The day is to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, exclusion, and social injustice. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in promoting peace and security, reducing poverty and unemployment, and achieving sustainable development. The 2023 World Day of Social Justice aims to promote global solidarity and rebuild trust in governments by working towards achieving the recommendations of Our Common Goals. The focus for this year is “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” thereby advancing towards this goal. This day presents an occasion to engage in discussions with stakeholders regarding the actions necessary to reinforce the social contract that has been undermined by the growing disparities, conflicts, and weakened institutions meant to safeguard the rights of workers.These crises notwithstanding, there exist numerous opportunities to form a coalition for social justice and encourage more investments in decent jobs, with a specific focus on the green, digital, and care industries, as well as the younger generation. Violent extremism as one of our focus, is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes, and it affects individuals and communities in different ways. However, at its core, it is an expression of injustice and a rejection of the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect for human rights. To prevent and counter violent extremism, we must address its underlying drivers, which include political and social marginalization, economic inequality, identity-based discrimination, and lack of access to education and social services. We work to address these drivers by promoting social justice and building resilience in communities. We work with local partners to empower individuals and communities to challenge extremist ideologies, promote tolerance and respect for diversity, and foster a sense of belonging and identity. We also advocate for policies that promote social justice and human rights, and support efforts to address the root causes of violent extremism. On this day, AYGF reaffirms its commitment to preventing and countering violent extremism. We believe that justice and peace are inextricably linked, and that a just society is one that is resilient to the appeal of violent extremism, discrimination,and marginalization of any kind. We amplify the theme of “ overcoming barriers and unleashing opportunities for social justice” On this World Social Justice Day, let us come together to promote social justice and create a more equitable world for all. We must continue to work towards a world where everyone can live in dignity and security, free from the threat of violence and discrimination. Join us in this vital mission!
