A non-profit organisation, Shining Teens Initiative, has launched its operations to raise a generation of Nigerian teenagers grounded in character, skill, and purpose.
Founded by a youth advocate with a longstanding passion for mentorship, Igwe Peace, the organisation is committed to empowering adolescents through spiritual guidance, skill-building programmes, leadership development and career mentoring.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Peace shared a personal story of growing up under the care of loving parents, who instilled in her strong moral values and discipline.
The background, she said, sparked a deep compassion for children and teenagers, particularly those who lack family support or access to opportunities.
“I often thought, if only they had the kind of upbringing I was privileged to have, things would have been easier for them. But I also knew that not everyone is given the same opportunities. This understanding fueled a passion in me to help bridge that gap,” she said.
Emphasising her sense of purpose, Peace recalled her early volunteer work at a nearby motherless babies’ home and having a prophetic confirmation to work with young people.
“From that point, I became intentional. I joined the children’s and teens’ departments, began organising events and training sessions—especially skill-based programmes,” she said.
According to her, the organisation’s mission is rooted in character formation, skills, and confidence, as it remains the bedrock of every teenager’s success.
She said the scheme seeks to bridge the gap in values-based education and skill training for adolescents, many of whom face challenges ranging from unemployment to identity crises and social pressure.
Peace stressed that the true challenge for many young people was not a lack of potential, but rather a lack of structure, guidance, and opportunity.
Since its inception, the organisation has reached over 3,000 teenagers through its workshops, leadership conferences and mentoring sessions. Over 200 of the teens have been trained and established in various fields across Lagos, Abia, and Enugu states.
