For Helen Sosu-Ezirim, poetry is more than a creative pursuit; it is a vehicle for healing, a language of transformation, and a conduit linking talent with opportunity. As an entrepreneur, youth empowerment advocate, and founder of the We Are Poets Foundation, Helen has dedicated her efforts to a core belief: words have the power to change lives. Through her foundation, she identifies and uplifts individuals with exceptional talents, focusing particularly on underprivileged youths.
At its heart, the initiative employs poetry not merely as art but as a means of mental sensitization and a tool for healing individuals and communities. Helen states, 'Poetry is more than an art form. It is a powerful instrument of communication and influence that has shaped humanity since the beginning of time. It has helped build cultures, unite communities, and inspire generations.' This conviction sparked the creation of the We Are Poets Foundation, which Helen sees as a platform to ignite conversations, reshape mindsets, and inspire positive change, especially among young people.
Beyond celebrating talent, the foundation empowers women, girls, and youths to realize their full potential while promoting health awareness and fostering meaningful dialogue. Although the vision for the foundation was conceived in 2010, it officially launched in 2018. The delay stemmed from Helen's deep involvement in another mission: The Street University Project (TSUP), a free entrepreneurial and empowerment program for underprivileged youths from slums and challenging backgrounds.
When the We Are Poets Foundation finally launched, Helen noted that acceptance came more smoothly than anticipated. 'Interestingly, the concept was accepted without any hitch. When we started, it was mainly to encourage people to maintain a healthy and balanced mindset, because we believe the major battle in life is the battle of the mind.' Mental health became an early focus, and from there, the foundation's work expanded organically into broader programs encompassing creativity, advocacy, and empowerment.
Like many social impact initiatives, funding remains a significant challenge. Currently, Helen funds the projects largely from personal resources. 'No sponsors yet. It's from personal purse now. But we are optimistic that we will connect with sponsors whose goals and visions align with ours.' Despite operating without external sponsorship, the foundation has already achieved notable successes. Helen highlights its ability to discover hidden creatives—individuals producing remarkable work but lacking visibility—and provide them with a platform to be seen and celebrated.
The foundation has also commemorated World Poetry Day and organized poetry events in primary and secondary schools, encouraging students to express themselves through writing while promoting peace, tolerance, and inclusion. For Helen, witnessing young people gain confidence in their voices through poetry has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.
Alongside the We Are Poets Foundation, Helen continues to lead The Street University Project, balancing both with entrepreneurship and other responsibilities. While it may seem demanding externally, Helen sees each initiative as serving a distinct purpose. 'The Street University Project is an assignment from God. That has been a huge motivation for me to carry on despite the many challenges.' The We Are Poets Foundation, on the other hand, represents another facet of her identity. 'It is the poet in me finding a place where it can have expression and make its unique impact on more lives, girls, women, and youths.' Because each platform has clearly defined goals, they rarely conflict; instead, they complement each other in service of a shared vision of empowerment.
When asked what advice she would give women facing challenges, Helen emphasizes clarity and resilience. 'As a woman, take time to define your purpose, set clear goals, and create a vision for your future. Then pursue that vision with unwavering determination and persistence.' She acknowledges that the journey is seldom easy but insists that challenges should not become a reason to stop. 'Stay focused, remain resilient, and keep moving forward. In time, you will realize that persistence is one of the greatest keys to turning dreams into reality.'
Helen envisions the We Are Poets Foundation growing into a recognized platform for discovering, celebrating, and supporting people with exceptional talents and skills. More importantly, she hopes it will become a stronger support system for distraught women, girls, and young people in need of help, guidance, and access to better health options. She also aspires for poetry to continue serving as a peace-building and restorative tool. 'In five years, I hope we would have largely used poetry as a peace and repair tool to contribute to making the world a better and safer place, even Nigeria.'
