Foundation to empower 11,270 youths

The Executive Secretary of the Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) Mrs. Iwalola Akin-Jimoh has said that it’s GOAL project will continue to reach out to more schools in Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan, using life skills, education, financial literacy and sport to empower adolescent girls.

She said that in 2017, GOAL reached 11,336 direct and indirect beneficiaries; and has a target of reaching 11,270 beneficiaries in 2018.

Iwalola stated this on Wednesday during a meeting between the YEF and it’s stakeholders in Lagos.

The YEF’s GOAL project funded by Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) since 2010, has trained young girls, especially in the areas of pressure management and self-esteem, saving/making wise spending decisions, enhance academic performance and their relevance in the society.
It also equip them with important tools to cope with the strains and stress of life for their healthy future.
“We usually run trainings when schools are just starting, when activities are not as high and engage young girls in school based training sessions.

“Each school recruits 30 girls called peer leaders. These girls in turn reach out to 14 friends through peer education. We found out it is easier and effective to reach more girls through their peers” Iwalola said.

She thanked the Lagos state government and standard Chartered for their efforts towards enhacing life of the girl child.

Also, the Lagos State Coordinator Child Protection Network (CPN)
Mrs Ngozi Okoro said , “I am proud of the The Youth Empowerment Foundation. I always talk about them.
“They have reunited girls with their parents, created awareness on Gender Based Violence. Their support has helped in protecting our young girls from abuse and neglect”.

Theresa Tekenah