Trailblazing Actions of Our Youth Educators

By Taiye Ojo

Programs Officer DEAN

In our quest towards making a change in the lives of future generations and creating a future where people are equipped with the skills needed to meet the ever-changing demands of the world, our youth education champions, fortified with strategically tailored learning resources and specialized training sessions, set out on a life-changing voyage with a mission to deliver core and transferable skills to children in classrooms. These skills provide students with problem-solving abilities, build their ability to think critically, and ultimately develop the competence needed to survive in the future. In view of this, our educators reflect on their experiences delivering these core skills in classrooms and how they made a change in the lives of children, better preparing them for the future of work.

Erusiafe, one of our vibrant educators, had an amazing and seamless experience leading students of JSS Asokoro, Abuja, in identifying challenges related to their chosen thematic SDGs within their communities, thereby providing an opportunity to identify challenges and present in groups their localized solutions to the identified problems.

Championing core and transferable skills in classroom learning, another of our youth educators, Abdulazeez deployed to JSS Kekeshi, Abaji, Abuja, shared how the SDGs Class Activation impacted him while engaging with the students. In his words, “My experience in the classroom was so encouraging because it gave me the courage to stand and talk freely in front of the students and as a result, I love teaching.”

Eucharia, a resilient youth activator, had to use her problem-solving skills when faced with challenges while at her school of deployment. During her session with the students, she implemented role-playing activities that motivated the quest for knowledge in the students and kept them highly engaged.

Another interesting story from one of our youth educators is that of Loveth. In her delivery of the SDG Class Activation activity, she encountered various challenges. This is what she had to say, “Proximity to the school, information to the school was not well disseminated.” Compounding this, she had to face the hurdle of time constraints as she was only permitted to use break periods. Adapting to the situation at hand, she triumphed in her travail. “I was really inspired with some of the issues and solutions which were pinpointed by students during the activity. The activities gave the students an opportunity to think and suggest ways they can contribute to some of the issues or problems around them.”

“In our recent SDG activation class, I had an incredible time working with both the Dean Initiative team, students, and school management,” Rosemary highlighted her near-perfect experience with students during the SDGs Class Activation. She grouped 60 JSS 1 and 2 students into clusters of 10, effectively leading hands-on experiences with the students to enable the development of core skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, ensuring everyone could learn from each other.

Mary, a nursing mother against all odds, showed tenacity and resilience in delivering her duty in her school of deployment. Despite the distance, she delivered her facilitation session with the students, transferring core and competence skills to the students of JSS Kwali Central. She stated, “I had to walk 2 kilometers from the school to the junction where I took a bike. I was so exhausted but thank God the activation was a success.”

Another determined youth educator, Deborah, revealed that despite the high cost of transportation to her school of deployment, she enjoyed every bit of activity she had with the students in the classroom. Her engagement with the students led to an unforgettable experience that left a long-lasting impact on the students. She reported that “They were so happy and excited and told me to come again.”

For Abubakar, an amazing young educator, he had an awesome and hitch-free experience. He stated, “The students are quite industrious and curious to learn. The teacher paired with me was incredible and helpful.”

Zubairu, one of our youth educators, was deployed to facilitate the SDGs Classroom Activation activity at Junior Secondary School Jikwoyi. At the end of the activation, he had this to say, “Throughout the three days, I witnessed young minds sparked with curiosity, creativity, and a desire to act. It was an incredible experience, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”

The trailblazing actions of our youth educators had one thing in common – the ability to be problem solvers and deliver core and transferable skills in classroom environments.

The importance of equipping students with core and transferable skills for their future cannot be overemphasized, recognize the challenges and triumphs faced by youth educators in delivering these skills, and appreciate the impact of SDG Class Activations on students’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and overall development.

Join us in supporting our youth educators as they continue to empower the next generation. Your involvement can make a significant difference in providing students with the tools they need to succeed. Get involved today and help us shape a brighter future for all!