Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative, YEDI, has equipped young people with accurate messages on HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights, Leadership, and Active Citizenship through a programme tagged “SKILLZ Holiday Camp”

The weeklong intervention program that took place in Lagos and Abuja reached over 500 adolescents aged 10-19 years through a learning model that leverages a football-based curriculum.

Speaking at the annual Skillz Day Camp, in Lagos recently YEDI’s Communications Officer, Abiodun Yakubu, said the Skillz Day Camp is an annual program, sometimes held twice a year depending on funding. It provides young participants with structured learning tools, including the Skillz Guys magazine and Skillz Diary, designed to guide their development,” he explained.

The camp engages young coaches who are trained to mentor participants, delivering key information on personal development, leadership, and life skills.

“We work closely with these young coaches to ensure that they positively impact their peers,” Yakubu added.

Yakubu also made a call to corporate organizations and concerned Nigerians to partner with YEDI to extend the program’s reach. “We are currently implementing this program in several communities across Nigeria, including underserved areas in Abuja. But there are many more communities in need of such interventions,” he urged.

Oluwafemi Sonja, YEDI’s Programs Manager, emphasized the organization’s focus on adolescent health, particularly for children affected by HIV. “The program is aimed at building a safer, healthier community for young people. We empower them with knowledge that strengthens their futures and enhances their well-being,” Sonja said.

As the program continues to flourish, YEDI is appealing for additional support from stakeholders to expand its scope and impact, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, parents who attended the finale of the Skillz Day Camp expressed their satisfaction with the initiative, sharing stories of the positive effects it has had on their children.

Mrs. Abimbola Ademeji, whose son participated in the camp, initially had reservations about the program but was quickly convinced of its value. “At first, I was hesitant, but after seeing the handbook my son brought home and hearing what he learned, I am very happy with the results,” she said, expressing gratitude to the organizers.

Mrs. Victoria Bello echoed these sentiments, revealing how the camp had changed her son’s outlook. “I never knew this program would have such a profound impact on my child. Every day he comes home with new knowledge on health, malaria, and even sex education,” she shared.

Both mothers encouraged other parents to embrace similar opportunities for their children, noting the value of carefully monitoring their progress and learning.

As YEDI’s program continues to receive widespread praise, it is clear that its efforts are making a lasting difference in the lives of Nigeria’s youth. Through strategic partnerships and expanded support, YEDI hopes to empower even more adolescents across the country.

YEDI empowers adolescents with life skills By Esther Onyegbula

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