Three brilliant Nigerian adolescents have been awarded a significant financial grant to bring their visionary community projects to life. The combined sum of $1,989 was secured through the 2025 Pan-African Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) Mini-Grant scheme, a initiative backed by the United States.
Young Minds, Tangible Solutions
The beneficiaries, Olagbemisoke Alaka, Dinatu Joseph, and Divine Akunne, successfully transformed their innovative ideas into practical actions addressing local challenges. This opportunity was made possible by a collaborative partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Meridian International Centre.
The implementing body, Youth Can Nigeria, confirmed the triumphant completion of all three ventures. They emphasized that the mini-grant did more than just fund projects; it empowered these young leaders to drive meaningful change and brilliantly displayed the potential of Nigerian youth when provided with resources and a platform to lead.
Transforming Communities Across States
The teenagers' initiatives targeted critical areas from education and child development to sustainable agriculture for vulnerable families.
Olagbemisoke Alaka's RaiseNets Initiative confronted the issue of reckless waste disposal in an Ogun State community. The project delivered environmental education to more than 400 students and secured 350 pledges for proactive action. Alaka also partnered with the local Waste Management Authority, donating four large waste bins to help the community adopt better practices and foster a safer, more sustainable environment.
In Abuja, Dinatu Joseph launched the Yara Reader Project. This initiative trained 17 teenage volunteers to become "street teachers," who then provided reading tutoring for 96 children between the ages of eight and 14 within their own communities. The project boosted literacy skills, encouraged peer-based learning, and offered crucial support to underserved children. Parents were able to witness the progress firsthand at a community Demo Day.
Also in the Federal Capital Territory, Divine Akunne's TIRA Water Project devised a low-cost irrigation solution for smallholder farmers grappling with dry-season water shortages. Originally designed to assist a few, the project expanded to serve 23 farmers. It is anticipated to reduce labor demands, enhance irrigation efficiency, and support more resilient farming during dry periods.
Guidance and Successful Execution
All three projects were overseen by Irene Bangwell, the 2025 PAYLP Adult Mentor and Co-Founder of the KNOSK N100-a-Day Charity Secondary School in Kuje, Abuja. Her guidance ensured the projects were not only visionary but also effectively implemented, leaving a lasting positive imprint on their respective communities.
