Community Development
Building stronger communities, empowering young people, and creating safe, supportive environments where children and families can thrive.
Background
The Community Development pillar is designed to strengthen the social fabric of communities by addressing the needs of children, youth, and vulnerable groups through targeted, youth-centered interventions.
We believe thriving communities are built when young people are equipped to lead, when children are protected and supported, and when families have access to essential information and resources.
Objectives
Promote community-driven solutions
Promote community-driven solutions to social, economic, and developmental challenges.
Advance child protection and welfare
Advance child protection and welfare, ensuring every child has the right to safety, education, and a nurturing environment.
Strengthen local systems
Strengthen local systems through partnerships with schools, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders.
Increase access to essential services
Increase access to essential services such as education, health awareness, and psychosocial support.
Mobilize youth as change agents
Mobilize youth as change agents, empowering them to lead and implement impactful community projects.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To build thriving, resilient, and inclusive communities where children, youth, and families feel seen, supported, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Mission
To strengthen communities through targeted interventions, meaningful engagement, advocacy, and youth-led initiatives that improve well-being, expand opportunities, and address local challenges.
Core Program Areas
Child Protection & Welfare
Activities include child-rights education, safe-space engagements, mentorship circles, and community campaigns that promote the safety, dignity, and well-being of children.
Example:
The World Children’s Day – Abuja Community Outreach showcased NYI’s commitment by delivering interactive sessions on confidence, mental well-being, and children’s rights — creating an environment where every child felt valued and empowered.
Youth-Led Community Action Projects
Equipping young leaders to identify community needs, design solutions, and implement projects ranging from sanitation drives to education support and advocacy campaigns.
Community Education & Awareness Campaigns
Outreaches focused on critical issues such as:
Gender-based violence
Substance abuse
Mental health
Safety and self-advocacy
Environmental responsibility
These campaigns help foster informed, proactive, and safer communities.
4. Family & Community Strengthening Initiatives
Programs that involve parents, guardians, and community influencers to build stronger support systems for children and youth.
This includes capacity-building workshops, dialogue sessions, and partnerships with local institutions.
5. Social Impact & Humanitarian Support
Providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through donation drives, back-to-school support, food and hygiene items, and emergency response initiatives.
Family & Community Strengthening Initiatives
Programs that involve parents, guardians, and community influencers to build stronger support systems for children and youth.
This includes capacity-building workshops, dialogue sessions, and partnerships with local institutions.
Social Impact & Humanitarian Support
Providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through donation drives, back-to-school support, food and hygiene items, and emergency response initiatives.
Key Program Components
Tutorials, literacy programs, STEM clubs, and reading culture initiatives.
Hands-on digital learning: computer basics, coding, internet safety, digital tools, and creative tech skills.
Provision of school supplies, textbooks, mentorship sponsorships, and support for underserved students.
Career exploration workshops, mentorship sessions, and exposure to higher education and employability skills.
Training educators and peer leaders in modern teaching methods, emotional support, and digital literacy.
Resilience workshops, peer mental health awareness, and safe spaces for expression.
Campaigns promoting school attendance, girls’ education, SDG 4, and community-driven learning development.
Science fairs, digital challenges, debates, spelling bees, and creativity-driven contests.
Expected Impact
- Stronger, more cohesive communities centered on mutual support and shared development.
- Increased awareness of children’s rights, safety, and emotional well-being.
- Youth empowered and actively participating in community growth.
- Improved access to essential resources for vulnerable children and families.
- Sustainable community transformation driven by collaboration and continuous engagement.