NGO unveils peace education programs for Nigerian youths

Teens Going for Gold Network (TGFGN), a youth education non-profit organisation, has unveiled a new thematic area known as peace education.

TGFGN’s novel peace education model is tailored towards addressing specific issues of each region in Nigeria, helping young people to understand the root cause of conflicts; its impact on their lives, and the importance of values like peace, tolerance, and reconciliation.

According to the founder of the organisation, Pelumi Obisesan, through peace education programmes, the organisation aims to promote long-term, sustainable peace by equipping the youth with the tools they need to heal divisions, foster understanding, and contribute to a more harmonious society.

Obisesan observed that issues around the country, ranging from the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, which has disrupted lives and communities; to banditry and kidnapping in the northeast, tensions related to Biafra agitation, which have led to violent consequences; and violence and occasional kidnappings in the southwest, which has continued to unsettle local populations, are shaping the way young Nigerians view the world and how they evolve in it. She added that this reality is vital for Nigeria’s stability and development.

“We believe this shift is timely and necessary, given Nigeria’s evolving challenges. Our mission is to empower the next generation not only with economic skills but also with the tools to build a peaceful, cohesive society.

“We are excited for the new chapter and look forward to collaborating with partners and supporters to amplify our impact.”

“Starting this year, TGGN’s main focus will be on fostering sustainable peace and development in Nigeria, particularly through targeted peace education initiatives in the most at-risk communities. The shift is a response to the growing unrest in various regions of Nigeria, which is increasingly affecting the lives and prospects of young people”

“While the organisation embarks on this new path, it will continue to host its annual summer Bootcamp, Project Teach a Teen, which has become a staple programme for underserved teenagers across Nigeria. The boot camp focuses on equipping youth with leadership and practical skills, and TGGN remains committed to its successful continuation.
Obisesan called on potential collaborators, donors, and partners to join in this transformative journey.

“By working together, we believe that we can collectively foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for Nigeria’s youth,” she said.

Founded in 2012, TGGN has made significant strides in empowering Nigerian teenagers, impacting over 15,000 young people directly through programs in business education, financial literacy, and vocational skills acquisition. An additional 50,000 individuals have benefitted through TGGN’s publications and social media outreach.