For Helen Sosu-Ezirim, poetry has never been just a creative outlet. It is a tool for healing, a language of change, and a bridge between talent and opportunity.
An entrepreneur, youth empowerment advocate and founder of We Are Poets Foundation, Helen has built her work around one central belief: words can transform lives. Through the foundation, she identifies and promotes people with exceptional talents and skills while paying particular attention to underprivileged youths. At its core, the initiative uses poetry not just as art, but as a form of mind sensitisation, a means of healing individuals and communities.
“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.”
That conviction inspired the creation of We Are Poets Foundation. Helen saw poetry as a platform through which she could spark conversations, shape mindsets, and inspire positive change, especially among young people. Beyond celebrating talent, the initiative empowers women, girls, and youths to reach their full potential while also promoting health awareness and creating space for meaningful dialogue.
Although the vision for the foundation was conceived in 2010, it officially began operations in 2018. The delay was largely because she was already deeply immersed in another mission, The Street University Project (TSUP), a free entrepreneurial and empowerment programme designed for underprivileged youths from slums and challenged backgrounds.
When We Are Poets Foundation finally launched, Helen said acceptance came easier than expected.
“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 one of the foundation’s early focal points, and from there, its work expanded organically into broader programmes around creativity, advocacy and empowerment.
Like many social impact initiatives, funding remains one of its biggest challenges. For now, 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 recorded notable successes. Helen points to its ability to discover hidden creatives, individuals producing remarkable work but lacking visibility and giving them a platform to be seen and celebrated.
The foundation has also commemorated World Poetry Day and organised poetry events in primary and secondary schools, encouraging students to express themselves through writing while promoting peace, tolerance and inclusion.
For Helen, watching young people find confidence in their voices through poetry has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Alongside We Are Poets Foundation, she continues to lead The Street University Project, balancing both with entrepreneurship and other responsibilities. While it may appear demanding from the outside, 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.”
We Are Poets Foundation, on the other hand, represents another side 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, she says they rarely clash. Instead, they complement one another in service of a shared vision of empowerment.
Asked what advice she would give women facing challenges, Helen’s response is rooted in 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 rarely easy, but insists that challenges should never become a reason to stop. “Stay focused, remain resilient, and keep moving forward. In time, you will realise that persistence is one of the greatest keys to turning dreams into reality.”
Helen envisions We Are Poets Foundation growing into a recognised platform for discovering, celebrating and supporting people of 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 hopes poetry will continue to serve 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.”
