Championing Change: Building a Resilient Generation through Education - Esther Williams Deshi
As a devoted advocate for education, I am determined to witness the future generation flourish in all aspects of life. In today's fast-paced world, the prevalence of negative peer pressures in the digital realm, today's youths can easily be led astray and this has made it all the more critical to take action and work towards a more sustainable future for our youths. With a resolute spirit, I registered as a Grassroot development champion at DO Take Action, ready to create positive change starting from one child at a time. My focus was set on the vibrant Yarkade 1 Community.
As I stepped into the Yarkade 1 Community, I was welcomed with warmth and curiosity. The children's eager faces fueled my determination to empower them with the tools they needed to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Conversations began, and I dived into discussing vital topics such as career goals, personal hygiene, mental health, and the pursuit of quality education. The digital shift had opened up numerous opportunities for them, but it also brought the risk of negative influences.
As discussions delved deeper, I stressed the importance of moral values. I urged the children to stay away from social vices like drugs, prostitution, and negative peer groups, which could jeopardize their promising futures. Together, we explored the significance of ethical choices, empathy, and respect for one another, fostering a supportive environment where everyone could thrive.
Recognizing that the journey towards a better future involved the active participation of parents, I engaged them in open dialogues. I encouraged them not to shy away from educating their children on moral values and sex education. By breaking the barriers of communication, we addressed teenage pregnancy concerns and highlighted the essential role parents play in shaping their children's character and aspirations.
The advocacy proved to be an enlightening seminar for all involved. The children and parents shared their dreams, aspirations, and a vision for a brighter community. Witnessing the teenagers passionately choosing their career paths and understanding the positive impact they could make left me profoundly inspired.
As the project reached its conclusion, we distributed sanitary pads, notebooks, and pens to the children. It was heartening to see their excitement, knowing that these simple tools held the potential to unlock their potential. A total of 50 children from 25 households participated and benefited from the initiative.
The project's impact extended beyond the children; it reached the very fabric of the Yarkade 1 Community. The parents, predominantly farmers, recognized the value of education and pledged to prioritize their children's learning journeys. Their commitment reflected a united effort towards a more prosperous and enlightened society.
As I reflect on the journey, I am humbled by the transformative power of education and advocacy. Connecting with the Yarkade 1 Community and witnessing the growth of its children has reaffirmed my dedication to empowering the younger generation. Together, we are sowing the seeds of a promising future, where education, resilience, and moral values stand as pillars of a thriving community. As we take on one child at a time, we shape a collective destiny that embraces positivity, progress, and a world of endless possibilities.
Esther Williams Deshi
(Grassroot Development Champion)
From Confined to Confident: Empowering Women in Chikun LGA
In my locality, a significant number of women are considered underprivileged and vulnerable. In our community, women are often confined to the role of marriage and denied the chance to pursue their own lives. However, as a man, I've come to realize that this perception is not accurate. Having had the privilege to explore other societies, I saw how well women were doing there and felt the need for greater women's development in my own community.
To address this issue, I took action and registered as a Grassroot Development Champion (GDC) with DO Take Action. I initiated a program to empower women in my community at Chikun LGA, Kaduna. I provided a one-month computer skills training to 10 vulnerable adolescent and young girls.
The training covered various aspects, including computer appreciation and an introduction to IT career opportunities. Participants learned practical applications of Microsoft Office Word, Excel for data entry and computations, and PowerPoint for presentations. Additionally, they were trained in operating business machines like photocopiers, printers, and scanners.
The key results of the training were remarkable. Eight participants gained a proficient understanding of Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. They also acquired the ability to operate printers, scanners, and photocopiers. Furthermore, at least 10 participants pledged to utilize their newly acquired skills.
To ensure continued progress, we have an M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) plan in place. Regular follow-ups with the beneficiaries will help us identify those who have secured employment using their skills. Additionally, I am actively working on expanding our network to provide these young women with suitable part-time job opportunities.
Furthermore, to enhance the beneficiaries' skills, an agreement has been established with SKyclass Pro ICT Centre, allowing them to participate in an internship program. This opportunity will enable them to sharpen their skills and master the computer programs they have learned. Monitoring their progress at the centre will help us ensure their continuous growth.
Overall, I am committed to promoting women's development in my community and will continue my efforts to empower them with the necessary skills and opportunities for a brighter future.
Growing up I always pondered about my future.
Growing up, I always pondered about my future, envisioning myself in the shoes of today's vibrant and enthusiastic youths. Their energy and passion inspired me to take action and make a positive change in my community. Driven by my passion for teaching, I decided to impart valuable skills to teenagers, encouraging them to learn and grow.
As a Grassroot Development champion at DO, I chose to work with Kpaduma Community Junior Secondary School in Asokoro. My goal was to teach them how to make slippers from simple materials. The results were astounding! The children not only learned the art of crafting slippers but also embraced the knowledge enthusiastically. They were eager to create their own slippers, using whatever materials they could find at home.
Witnessing the joy on their faces as they learned and practiced at home filled my heart with pride. At least 10 participants pledged to start with carton paper before acquiring the necessary materials to craft beautiful slippers for themselves. Their constant questions about where to buy materials and the cost of things showed their determination to save up and continue their learning journey.
Moreover, their enthusiasm extended beyond school hours, as they willingly invested their time in mastering the craft. Seeing their dedication was a true testament to the impact I had on their lives. Knowing that I played a part in fostering their curiosity and passion for skill development was immensely rewarding.
My experience with the students of Kpaduma Community Junior Secondary School reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and mentorship. Through these humble beginnings, I aspire to continue making a positive difference in the lives of youths, nurturing their dreams and empowering them to become skilled and self-reliant individuals. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities, one step at a time.
Join me in taking action by visiting the dotakeaction.org and execute a project for a sustainable future.
DO PARTNERS WITH FUTMINNA
In the relentless battle against the wicked issues that plague our beloved nation, Nigeria, it is crystal clear that the key to victory lies in the hands of our young and vibrant generation. At DO , we firmly believe in empowering these extraordinary individuals to make a resounding impact right from the grassroots level.
Today, we are thrilled beyond measure to announce our groundbreaking partnership with the School of Science and Technology Education at the Federal University of Technology Minna. This alliance represents a fusion of passion, purpose, and determination to create lasting change in our society. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous Nigeria.
Empowering the Driving Force: GDCs (Grassroot Development Champions)
One of the cornerstones of our mission is to raise awareness about critical issues affecting our nation and to empower young people to initiate change in their lives and communities. Through this new collaboration, we are presented with an unparalleled opportunity to actively engage with over 3,000 registered student GDCs, who serve as the driving force behind transformative change at FUTMINNA.
Our partnership will be a catalyst for greatness as we guide, support, and empower these incredible young minds to take action on the issues that resonate deeply with them. From spearheading environmental sustainability initiatives to leading the charge for social justice and combating drug abuse on campus, these students are the unsung heroes creating tangible impacts within their own communities.
Amplifying Impact: The Power of Unity
With DO expertise in community-driven initiatives and FUTMINNA's commitment to academic excellence, we are poised to achieve remarkable milestones in addressing the challenges that confront Nigeria. By fostering an environment of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, we will nurture these young change-makers to become the vanguards of progress and sustainable development.
A Call to Action: Building a Better Future Let us come together to identify, understand, and combat the issues that hinder progress and growth. Through knowledge, dedication, and collective action, we will break barriers and open doors to a brighter future.
Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff, your participation is crucial in building a better Nigeria. Embrace your role as a change agent and contribute your ideas, passion, and expertise to drive our nation forward.
Conclusion
DO's partnership with FUTMINNA marks the dawn of a new era in the fight against social challenges in Nigeria. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower, educate, and elevate the young minds who will shape our nation's destiny. Together, we will create a ripple effect of positive change, touching lives, and building a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.
Join us in this exciting journey of transformation and empowerment. Together, we will make history, leaving an indelible mark on our beloved nation and the generations to come. Let's take action and secure a brighter future for Nigeria.
DO partners with Impact Market
Today, we proudly unveil a powerful alliance that embodies our mission to drive positive change. DO Take Action has joined forces with Impact Market, a visionary organization harnessing Web3 technology to deliver accessible financial solutions to women entrepreneurs.
Together, we are embarking on an extraordinary journey to empower individuals, with a special focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, and fostering sustainable development globally.
Imagine a world where financial services are accessible to all, regardless of geographical boundaries or socio-economic status.
A central pillar of this collaboration is our resolute focus on women entrepreneurs. We recognize the immense potential they hold in driving change within their communities. Our partnership seeks to provide these enterprising women with business support loans, tailored to fuel their dreams and aspirations.
By empowering women entrepreneurs, we are not only creating opportunities for individual growth, but also igniting a chain reaction of progress. When these remarkable leaders thrive, they become beacons of inspiration for others, encouraging them to dream big and embrace their own potential.
From Financial Assistance to Community Involvement: Paving the Path to Sustainable Development
Empowerment goes beyond financial assistance; it's about encouraging active community involvement. As women entrepreneurs receive the support they need, they are inspired to give back to their communities. By fostering a sense of responsibility towards their localities, they become architects of sustainable development and catalysts for positive transformations.
In the spirit of our mission, we envision a future where every community has the tools and resources it needs to thrive. By uplifting individuals, we are laying the foundation for a world where collective progress knows no bounds.
A Call to Action: Our Journey Ahead
This partnership between DO Take Action and Impact Market is a testament to the power of collaboration in effecting real change. Our collective dedication to a brighter future compels us to forge ahead, exploring new frontiers, and innovating for greater impact.
As we set forth on this transformative journey, we invite all of you to join hands with us. Whether as advocates, supporters, or potential beneficiaries, each of you plays an integral role in this pursuit of empowerment and inclusivity.
Together, let's redefine what is possible. Let's embrace the potential of Web3 technology and the indomitable spirit of women entrepreneurs. Let's sow the seeds of sustainable development, nurtured by a deep sense of community and shared progress.
Empowering Change, One Action at a Time
At DO Take Action, we've always believed that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. Today, we take a giant leap forward, knowing that our partnership with Impact Market will be a game-changer for countless lives around the world.
DO partners with Z-zurich Foundation
Our mission is clear: to empower and recruit 10,000 Grassroot Development Champions, who will spearhead efforts for a sustainable future and make a positive impact on both the environment and social development.
In this regard, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Z-zurich foundation. Together, we are embarking on a journey to combat Climate Change Adaptation, enhance flood resilience in Nigeria, and promote She STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education.
Climate change impacts every corner of the globe, and Nigeria is no exception. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and erratic rainfall patterns pose significant threats to communities, especially those in vulnerable areas. Through this partnership, we aim to bolster climate change adaptation strategies and enhance flood resilience in Nigeria. Together, we will engage with local communities, policymakers, and experts to implement sustainable solutions that can safeguard lives and livelihoods from the adverse effects of climate change.
A key pillar of this partnership is the promotion of She STEM – this is geared towards enrolling girls into STEM courses and careers. We firmly believe that empowering young girls with STEM education is not only a matter of gender equality but also a vital step towards driving sustainable development in Nigeria. By breaking down barriers and encouraging girls to embrace STEM fields, we open doors to innovation, creativity, and problem-solving that are crucial in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Central to this initiative is the recruitment and empowerment of 10,000 Grassroot Development Champions. These champions will be the driving force behind the positive changes we seek to bring about. By working closely with communities, local organizations, and schools, our champions will foster awareness, inspire action, and implement projects that tackle climate change and promote She STEM. We firmly believe that change starts at the grassroots level, and with our dedicated GDCs, we can create a cascading effect that reaches every corner of Nigeria.
The partnership between @zzurichfoundation and @dotakeaction is not just about rhetoric; it's about real action, tangible results, and lasting impact. We invite everyone to join us on this transformative journey. Whether you're a student, a professional, an environmental enthusiast, or a supporter of gender equality, your support matters. Together, we can drive sustainable development in Nigeria, combat climate change, and create a future where every girl has an equal opportunity to thrive in STEM fields.
Follow us closely as we share inspiring stories, updates on our projects, and opportunities to get involved. Let's shape a sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria.
Apply for this three-weeks African Youth Climate Tech Innovators and Leaders Program 2023(Fully-funded)
Calling all young African leaders!
YALI Regional Leadership Centre are excited to announce a remarkable opportunity for you to join a three-week, in-person program focused on learning, networking, and taking joint action. This program is specifically designed for young African innovators and leaders who are passionate about making a difference in the convergence of climate action and technology.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, fluent in English, and hail from any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, Rwanda, Sao Tome Et Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, then this is your chance!
They are seeking individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to positively impact their community, country, and the continent through the implementation of climate tech solutions. If you have a proven track record in the climate tech space and are willing to travel to Accra, Ghana, from October 9 to 27, 2023, we encourage you to apply.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with like-minded individuals, and take collaborative action for a sustainable future. Apply now and be part of this transformative program!
The Application has three categories, apply to the category that relates to what you do on the links in blue below
BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE
CIVIC TRACK
PUBLIC POLICY TRACK
UNESCO Youth-in-Action Photo Contest
Opportunity Description
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is calling for submission for the Youth-In-Action Photo Contest 2023. Photographers from around the world can apply for this opportunity. The contest showcases young people’s inspiring efforts in positively impacting the world.
If you are a photographer, submit your best photo that captures, in action, your work or your friends’ shots to create a better future for all. Submissions can be on the following topics:
- Fighting climate change
- Building peace
- Strengthening civic space
- Empowering youth
- Any other relevant action to UNESO’s work!
Brief Details of the Contest
Submission Deadline: 15 August 2023 (23:45 CEST)
Field of Competition: Photography
Eligible Countries: All
Number of Awards: 3 (three)
What to Submit?
To apply for the UNESCO Youth-In-Action Photo Contest, please provide the following materials:
- High-quality photo(s)
- A short description of what the action is about
- The location of the shot or photograph
- Link(s) of the applicant’s social media so that UNESCO can tag them if they win the competition
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be between 18-35 years old to participate, and those photographed
- Entrants can be from any country
- Employees of UNESCO are not eligible to apply for this contest
- Minors’ participation or appearance in photographs is not suitable for submission
- Entrants should have access to the Internet
- Entrants cannot enter the competition on behalf of another person because participation is strictly personal.
- Participation in this photo contest implies full acceptance of the rules and their provisions. Non-compliance with the regulations may disqualify the entrant.
- By submitting the photos, applicants permit UNESCO to use them freely with proper credit to the photographer after usage.
- UNESCO encourages the entrants to submit up to three photos to increase their chances of winning
- This contest is free-of-charge, and the competition, called Youth-in-Action, is only on the Internet.
The Winners
The winners of the UNESCO Youth-In-Action Photo Contest will benefit as follows:
- The winners will receive recognition for their work to make a difference in the world
- UNESCO will feature the winners in 3 separate posts with the photos, description, and link to the photographer’s social media accounts on the Facebook page
- UNESCO also features the winners via a web story on its website to announce the three winners and present their photos and stories
- The shortlisted entries by Youth Selection Committee will be featured on UNESCO’s Facebook page, of more than 348K followers.
- The top photos with more likes, shares, and comments will be declared the winners.
How to Apply?
To enter the competition, applicants should fill out the form by entering the link below.
Public Voices Fellowship on Technology in the Public Interest (Fully-funded)
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is accepting applications for the Public Voices Fellowship on Technology in the Public Interest in partnership with The OpEd Project. The year-long fellowship is for individuals who have expertise and experience conducting research and/or advocacy that addresses the social impacts of technology. The cohort of twenty diverse thought leaders will receive extraordinary support, build leadership skills, and develop knowledge to ensure their ideas shape not only their fields but also the greater public conversations of our age.
DETAILS
The Public Voices Fellowship on Technology in the Public Interest, in partnership with MacArthur Foundation, is part of The OpEd Project’s prestigious national initiative to change who writes history. The internationally acclaimed curriculum and method explore leadership, power, and action in an unfair world. Using time-tested methods of transformational learning, fellows explore how credibility works, how ideas spread, when and why minds change, and how ideas play out over time and space. This program will engage selected fellows in intense, results-oriented thinking and activities around their knowledge and impact. It will provide the inside information, high-level support, and media connections to become influential on a large scale. Fellows will join a national network of peers, allowing for knowledge-sharing and innovation across institutions.
IMPACT
The Public Voices Fellowship has a track record of stunning results, generating personal, professional, and public outcomes with far-reaching implications. Fellows have published op-eds in high-impact venues and gone on to publish history-changing books. They have briefed Congress, advised the White House, launched new research studies and centers and sparked national and international debate. They have written books, collaborated on research grants, and driven policy change. The resulting impact of their ideas entering public consciousness has been expansive.
LOGISTICS
Fellows are required to participate in four virtual convenings (day-long or half-day), scheduled at two-to-three-month intervals, and commit to writing a minimum of two opinion pieces over the course of the fellowship. Fellows are also assigned to work with veteran journalist coaches for dedicated one-on-one coaching throughout the year. In addition, fellows will have periodic opportunities to join calls with public thinkers and influencers and receive weekly customized email support and news alerts. Upon completion of the Fellowship, they will have access to a powerful network of peers and The OpEd Project’s network of high-level journalist mentors.
Applicants must commit to attending all four convenings:
September 27-29, 2023, 12-3:30 pm ET
December 7-8, 2023, 12-3:30 pm ET
February 22-23, 2024, 12-3:30 pm ET
May 9-10, 2024, 12-3:30 pm ET
SELECTION
Fellows will be chosen through a competitive selection process. We are committed to building a diverse cohort. We will consider various factors, including but not limited to gender, race/ethnicity, age, geography, area of expertise, work history, and experience as an agent of change. The fellowship is open to people at least 18 years old.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance status by late August. Accepted applicants will be required to confirm their participation upon notification of acceptance.
APPLICATION
The application deadline is August 1, 2023.
African Union Media Fellowship 2023-2024 : Open Call for Applications(Fully-funded)
The African Union Media Fellowship Programme is inviting African media professionals passionate about promoting development-focused stories using emerging technologies in various media forms.