By Khadija Sulaiman Shehu (YES 2018-2019, Nigeria, placed by AFS in Clarksville, TN)

Since participating in the YES program, I have been driven by a passion to create meaningful change in my community. One of my most memorable experiences during my exchange year was volunteering at shelters for vulnerable individuals. This allowed me to work closely with those in need, providing care and learning about their struggles firsthand. The value of civic responsibility instilled in me by the YES program inspired me to tackle pressing social challenges in Kano, Nigeria.

I was struck by how freely people in the U.S. expressed their opinions without fear of stigma. Witnessing open discussions on sensitive topics was empowering and inspiring. In contrast, back home in Nigeria, I observed a pervasive silence surrounding issues like domestic violence. Personal interactions with victims revealed the devastating impact of this silence, further fueling my determination to address these challenges.

Growing up in a socially-minded household, I developed a strong awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable segments of society. These experiences highlighted critical gaps in my community’s support systems—particularly the absence of comprehensive programs that offer not only counseling and rehabilitation but also safe, inclusive spaces for individuals to rebuild their lives. I also noticed that victims of violence and drug abuse often lack access to skill acquisition workshops, which could help them regain confidence and achieve financial independence.

These realizations inspired me to apply for a YES Alumni Grant and launch the Invest in Our Future initiative. This project combines my commitment to combating violence and drug abuse with a focus on empowering vulnerable youth through skill-building. The initiative engaged over 300 young people in awareness-raising sessions across several communities, including Gezawa, Minjibir, Kuyan Inna, and Dala. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, and role-play, participants learned about prevention strategies and resources for support.

In September 2024, we hosted a seminar in collaboration with representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), police, army, immigration services, customs, and civil defense. The seminar fostered partnerships to combat these issues and explored strategies to economically empower vulnerable populations.

Following the seminar, we organized hands-on skill acquisition workshops to equip participants with practical skills they can use to support themselves. One workshop focused on tie-dye techniques, where 20 young men learned creative methods to design and produce fabric designs. The sessions also included lessons on how to price, market, and sell their products. Another workshop trained another group of 20 young women—many of whom are survivors of violence—in tailoring skills such as sewing, garment construction, and patternmaking.

We concluded with a graduation event on September 20 to celebrate the participants’ accomplishments and provide them with the tools needed to start their own businesses. These efforts not only raised awareness but also gave vulnerable individuals sustainable skills to improve their livelihoods. By equipping young people with practical abilities, we are offering them hope and a path away from substance abuse and violence. Seeing these individuals take steps toward a brighter future has been deeply fulfilling.

Looking ahead, I hope to expand this project into a long-term initiative that can be scaled across other communities. By embedding a training-of-trainers model into our workshops, we aim to ensure that these skills continue to be shared, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and empowerment. Our ultimate goal is to foster informed, self-sufficient communities capable of supporting their vulnerable members through education and economic independence.

This journey would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the YES program, which instilled in me a deep sense of social responsibility and leadership. Their commitment to global youth development has transformed my life and empowered countless others. To IRIS, the Youth Advocacy and Advancement Network (YAAN), my partners, and especially my fellow alumni project team members—thank you for providing the platform to learn, grow, and serve. Together, we are shaping a future where young people are not just heard but are also powerful agents of change in their communities.

Datti Hauwa Mahmoud (YES 2021-2022, Nigeria, placed by World Link in Porterville, CA)
Farouk Kaliel (YES 2017-2018, Nigeria, placed by AYUSA in Bastrop, TX)
Fatima Gezewa (YES 2017-2018, Nigeria, placed by AYA/AIFS in Sierra Vista, AZ)
Fatima Umar (YES 2017-2018, Nigeria, placed by YFU in Bay Village, OH)