Ashoka Africa celebrates impact inspire future leaders

Young changemakers in Lagos have narrated their journeys towards creating positive change within their communities. The individuals are the first graduates of Ashoka Africa’s Changemaker Teacher Activation programme (CTEACH).

At a recent event marking the completion of a year-long initiative to integrate changemaking education into government-owned schools in Lagos State and the induction of 100 new teachers into the programme’s second cohort, the graduates shared their stories of impact.

The event also premiered the CTEACH documentary, a short film following the transformative journeys of teachers and students involved in the programme.
Confidence Awak, the Communications Associate for Ashoka West Africa, highlighted the documentary’s role in capturing the inspiring stories of participating teachers and students.

“The documentary showcases their transformative journeys and demonstrates the power and potential of changemaking,” she said. “It aims to inspire other people, teachers, and schools to adopt changemaking processes and skills like new leadership and empathy. It’s about giving students the urgency to be leaders, not just learners.”

David Onilude, an 18-year-old from Badagry, spoke about how the project empowered his organisation, Tech Now Global, founded in 2020, to change young people’s mindsets about cybercrime. Onilude shared that his non-profit organisation has positively impacted over 50,000 young people who could have been drawn into criminal activities.

“Our aim is to address marginalisation in underserved communities and ensure that young people in rural communities have access to quality education, digital skills, and digital literacy so that they can be self-sufficient and ready for this digital world,” he stated.

“Many youths don’t have opportunities to earn an income, so they think the only alternative is internet fraud. Now we are giving them another option; they can use digital skills to make money, and with that, they know they shouldn’t be venturing into cyber fraud. We’ve been able to change their mindset.”

Ayomide Akran, a 16-year-old, shared how the programme has impacted her work with Pink Diva, an organisation advocating menstrual hygiene and women’s health. Akran founded Pink Diva to help girls in rural communities tackle period poverty.

“I’m currently working to solve the problem where girls in rural communities don’t have enough money to buy menstrual hygiene products,” she explained.

Akran has also documented her changemaking story in a book to empower and inspire other girls to find their power and voice. Ashoka Africa’s Co-President, Angelou Ezeilo, said, “Through CTEACH, Ashoka Africa is setting the stage for a future where education across Nigeria fosters active and engaged changemakers. As the programme expands with its second cohort of teachers, CTEACH remains dedicated to driving system-wide change, ensuring that every classroom can be a hub for social innovation and every student a potential changemaker. We are not just preparing students for jobs; we are nurturing changemakers who will drive progress, challenge the status quo, and address the pressing issues of our time.”

Regional Director of Ashoka Anglophone West Africa, Josephine Nzerem, highlighted that the documentary captures the impact of changemaking education, showcasing how teachers have empowered students to lead social innovation projects that address crucial issues like environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. Ashoka also targets young entrepreneurs between 18 and 20 years old to address the issue of youth involvement in crime.

“When these young people find their power, they will abstain from crimes,” Nzerem stated. The ceremony celebrating the previous year’s success and inducting 100 new teachers into the second cohort signifies the expansion of CTEACH’s reach across Lagos State.

It underscores the commitment to fostering a generation of young leaders equipped to create positive change and shape a brighter future for Nigeria.