An organisation, Ashoka Africa, has urged youths to shun social vices and become changemakers in society.
The Co-President, Youth Years Leader, Ashoka Africa, Okey Uzoechina, gave this charge at the third cohort of Ashoka Young Changemaker (AYC) programme and celebration of the just concluded Changemaker Teachers Activation (CTEACH) programme.
The AYC programme curates a network of young leaders under 21 years who exemplify inspirational leadership within their communities.
Uzoechina said: “The thing about change making and the thing about transforming society is that transformation and change starts at the most basic level. They have to get down to the most basic. And the most basic level of change is changing the mind, shifting the mindset.
“Even if healing or any measure is prescribed and their mind is not yet transformed, they are most likely to go back and do the same thing over again.”
CTEACH Director, Angelo Ezeilo, said youths need to be equipped with tools so that they can change the world.
“We believe equipping them with 21st century skills, like empathy, how to be a leader, and how to work collaboratively together to have every problem solved, they can change their community and the world at large,” she said.
Ezeilo further explained that the young changemakers are a diverse group tackling issues like environmental protection, gender equality, and access to education.
“They work in teams to create impactful solutions and drive systemic change,” she explained.
Director, Venture and Talent, Ashoka Africa, Josephine Nzerem, challenged the traditional view of children as leaders of tomorrow, adding: “These young minds are leading today. By providing them with the tools and support they need, we are building a generation of collaborative leaders who can make a real difference.”
Youth and partnership manager for West Africa at Ashoka, Paula Ugwu, noted that the third cohort of AYC are passionate about making a difference in the society.
She explained that the selection went through a rigorous process.
The guest speaker, Managing Director of TRACE, Anglophone West Africa, Samuel Onyemelukwe, emphasised that partnerships are a powerful tool for amplifying positive change.
Onyemelukwe also stressed the importance of shared goals and collaboration.
