📝 Reflecting on 2024: How Our Teen Hub Family Made This Year Extraordinary As we approach the final weeks of 2024, I'm taking a moment to reflect on what truly made Teen Hub thrive this year - our incredible network of stakeholders who became family. This year taught us that youth empowerment isn't just about programs; it's about the ecosystem of support we've built together: Our dedicated teen participants who brought energy and fresh perspectives to every session Parent champions who trusted us with their most precious gift - their children's growth Community partners who opened doors for internships and mentorship opportunities Local businesses that sponsored our skill-building workshops Volunteer mentors who dedicated countless hours to our teens' development Educational institutions that collaborated on our academic support initiatives Grant-making organizations who believed in our vision Looking back, our biggest achievements came from collaborative efforts: Launched our first online peer-to-peer mentorship program Expanded our after-school support with another youth development NGO Got soccer kits for our upcoming soccer team Ran a successful mental health group for our teenagers Our teenagers’ grades went up and received academic awards. A successful career day planned by the Youth Hub team, our teenagers learned about so many career choices and how they can achieve their career goals. A successful hiking trip and camp experience for some of our participants. The magic happens when stakeholders become stakeholders: this year, we saw former teen participants return as volunteer mentors for holidays, we welcomed more teen participants, and local businesses create dedicated peer mentorship programs. As we close 2024, we're not just counting numbers - we're celebrating relationships that have transformed Teen Hub from a program into a community movement. To everyone who has been part of our journey: Thank you for believing in the power of youth development and for being the pillars that support our teens' dreams. Here's to stronger connections and even greater impact in 2025! What moments of stakeholder collaboration made your 2024 memorable? hashtag #YouthEmpowerment hashtag #CommunityImpact hashtag #Nonprofit hashtag #YearInReview hashtag #TeenDevelopment hashtag #StakeholderEngagement hashtag #CommunityPartnership hashtag #2024Reflection
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Building Stronger Communities Through Youth Engagement Mentorship Programs Mentorship programs provide young people with guidance, support, and inspiration. By connecting youth with experienced mentors, we help them navigate life's challenges, set goals, and build confidence. Mentors can offer invaluable advice, share life experiences, and provide a positive role model. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for at-risk youth, helping them stay on a positive path and reach their full potential. Career Talks and Workshops Organizing career talks and workshops in schools and community centers can ignite students' interest in various professions. Bringing professionals from different fields to share their experiences and insights can open up a world of possibilities for young minds. These events educate and motivate students to explore their interests and pursue their dreams. Volunteer Opportunities Encouraging youth to participate in volunteer activities fosters a sense of responsibility and community pride. By getting involved in local projects, young people learn the value of giving back and better understand their community's needs. Volunteer opportunities can range from environmental cleanups and food drives to tutoring and assisting in community events. Skills Development Programs Offering skills development programs tailored to the interests and needs of young people can significantly impact their future success. These programs can include coding camps, leadership training, financial literacy workshops, and more. Equipping youth with essential skills prepares them for the workforce and boosts their self-esteem and independence. Creating Safe Spaces Establishing safe spaces where young people can gather, learn, and express themselves is crucial for their development. Community centers, youth clubs, and after-school programs provide environments where youth can engage in positive activities, make friends, and receive support. These spaces help keep young people out of trouble and offer constructive alternatives to negative influences. Fostering Creativity and Innovation Encouraging creativity and innovation among youth can lead to remarkable outcomes. Initiatives such as hackathons, art competitions, and science fairs inspire young minds to think outside the box and develop new ideas. By providing platforms for creative expression, we empower youth to explore their talents and contribute to their community in unique ways. Celebrating Achievements Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young people boosts their confidence and motivates them to continue striving for excellence. Whether it's academic success, athletic accomplishments, or community service, acknowledging their efforts reinforces positive behavior and sets a standard for others. Hashtags: #YouthEngagement #CommunityBuilding #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #VolunteerOpportunities #SkillsDevelopment #SafeSpaces #CreativityAndInnovation #CelebrateYouth
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We are taking our work out! All Stars Project, Inc. Sometimes, we say to ourselves, "We are the secret sauce to......." or "Our secret to successful workforce development and internships is......" Well! The secret is out. (And it's not so secret, said #PERFORMANCE.) Read about it! #Development #Workforce #youth #leadership #Builtformore #OST
I am proud to share that I have co-authored a chapter in the newly released book "Built for More: The Role of Outside-of-School Time in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work" alongside colleague Gabrielle Kurlander. Thank you to the book’s co-editors, Big Thought president and CEO and nationally renowned OST advocate Byron K. Sanders and Shannon Epner, MPAP. In the chapter, "Non-Artificial Authentic Intelligence: Creating Ecosystems of Development for Young People Outside of School and in the World of Work," we tell the All Stars Project’s 25-year journey of innovation, youth development (including the unique impact of our performance-based approach) and partnership-building with the private sector and philanthropists. I hope you’ll get your copy of "Built for More" and learn more about our approach, many other great partner organizations and the future of youth development. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gM6yjqgm The chapter also features the voices of partners, program alumni and corporate executives who wholeheartedly embrace two-way development and highlights the ASP philosophy and practices that underscore the societal significance of mutual growth and enrichment. Special thanks to those who lent their voice to the chapter, and shared their story of All Stars Project impact: Development School for Youth alumni Wadnes J. Castelly, Chioma B. I., Lindsay McKenzie, Glenroy Wason; Academic leaders David Chard, Ph.D. (Boston University), Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ph.D. (Princeton University); All Stars champions Richard Sokolow, Maria Morris, Steve Alesio; Corporate partners Marco Cuoco (Paramount Global), Jennifer Flynn Dear (KPMG), Anne Sylvester (JP Morgan Private Bank), John Thurlow (RBC Capital Markets); Education and nonprofit partners Karen Kenkel, Ph.D., (ICA Cristo Rey Academy), Joe May, Ed.D. (Dallas College, retired); ASP Senior Vice Presidents Shadae McDaniel and Antoine Joyce-Roach Joyce and ASP co-founder Lenora Fulani, Ph.D. I also want to acknowledge grassroots educators Gloria Strickland and Pamela Lewis, and thought leadership support from Bonny Gildin, Ph.D. and Jackie Salit. And we build on the ground-breaking research and writing of Lois Holzman and Carrie Lobman. Nathaniel Christian Jessie Fields Drew Williamson Blakely Stinebaugh, Sonia Menon Kim Kesler Kate Barton Marc Ganz Ken Meyerson Benjamin Nortman Dr. Tiffany L. Brown Valerie Brown Benaye Wadkins Chambers Margo L. Cook, CFA Suzu Neithercut Robert Ross Peter Langerman Hunter Hunt Joseph C. Peiser #YouthDevelopment #OutOfSchoolTime #FutureOfWork #EducationInnovation #Partnerships #CommunityImpact
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I have been thinking about doing some community talks/seminars in 2025. 🌿They will not be big events where I strut the stage talking about only myself and my experiences. 🌿I will not be making empty promises claiming I have answers to the big questions of parenthood and life. 🌿I want these events to be about YOU. Your stories. Your concerns. Your relationship with your children and young adults. 🌿Only then will I offer some time tested strategies and reflections from my own experiences professional and personal that you may take away some value from. ✨️These events will feel personal. ✨️ They will not fill stadiums and auditoriums. ✨️I will be at your level where possible. And should I be honoured to be joined by young people and parents who wish to share their stories, we will join in a circle, as equals. As that is the way I facilitate my mentoring sessions. Each community talk will have a theme. I have a list of about 100 potential talks across a whole range of issues, challenges, triumphs, stories, anecdotes and strategies to share. 👍🏻However, I would like this communities suggestions about subjects YOU would like to hear talks on, and things that you may need help with when mentoring and parenting your children. This is also not only about YOU. These events will be for all members of the family. As each member of the family unit is an important stakeholder in the lives and futures of its youngest members. They may be rough to begin with, and I will need time to find my groove in this space of public events, but one of the important aspects of mentorship is for young people to see us Adults don't always have it all together all the time. We'll help each other out, listen to one another, and as a community grow in understanding. Only then will I think about taking these talks elsewhere. So, what would you like to see in these talks/events/seminars? #mentoring #mentorship #community #generationgap #importantconversations #Youthissues
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From Obstacles to Blooms: Twelve Months of Change at #Delamz. 2024 has been nothing short of a metamorphosis for Delamz Inclusive Educational Services, this reminds me of my morning glory flower, after a long wait, bursts into bloom because it experienced a new pot and was exposed to the sun. This year taught us that sometimes, a change in perspective and environment can lead to extraordinary growth. 🎯A Year of Challenges and Innovations Although we faced a rocky start filled with disappointments, we transformed these hurdles into opportunities for innovation. Our resilience became the soil from which new ideas sprouted, allowing us to flourish in unexpected ways. 🎯Expanding Our Creative Community This year, we proudly welcomed three new members to our electrifying Kids' Creativity Club. Their diverse perspectives breathed new life into our group dynamics, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that ignited creativity and inspired imaginative problem-solving among all participants. 🎯Launching New Initiatives In an exciting development, we launched our first Kids' Chess Club! This initiative not only introduced strategic thinking but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, enriching our creative repertoire. The enthusiasm was palpable as children engaged in friendly competition and learned valuable life skills through play. 🎯Unleashing Creativity at Home Our projects captivated young minds, with parents sharing delightful stories of their children experimenting with tie-dye at home. Armed with any fabric they could find, kids embraced their artistic side, turning everyday materials into vibrant expressions of creativity. 🎯Growing Interest and Partnerships As the year progressed, we noticed a significant increase in adult interest in joining our community. This enthusiasm has opened doors for exciting new plans on the horizon. 🎯 Additionally, our teacher training program expanded into new states, leading to fruitful partnerships that promise to enhance our educational impact. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community and clients. Your belief in us has been instrumental in our growth this year, and we look forward to nurturing even more significant partnerships as we step into 2025. Remember, in every challenge lies an opportunity for growth. Together, we can cultivate a brighter future. Your continued support inspires us to reach new heights. Why exist when you can thrive? Live. Love. Thrive. I'm rooting for you. #Delamz #yourcreativemindsetcoach #delamzinclusiveeducationalservices #thecreativepsychologist #teachertrainer #chiefplayofficer #delamzkiddies #mascotwoman
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Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind. Strangely, 2024 has largely been a quiet one on LinkedIn for me, although the year has been busy and rewarding professionally. With the hope that I shall be more active on LinkedIn in 2025, I'm sharing this Rewind-Reflect post here. 2024: The Year Play Became Our Passport to Inclusive Learning When I first stepped onto the panel at the "Strengthening Foundational Years" summit, I realized something profound: play isn't just an activity—it's our most powerful tool for creating truly inclusive educational environments. This year transformed my understanding of early childhood education. From my first panel experience discussing "Play as a Catalyst for Holistic Growth" to contributing to national dialogues around NEP 2022 and NCF 2022 implementation, I've witnessed how intentional, playful learning can break down barriers and create spaces where every child belongs. My journey took an unexpected turn. Transitioning from a structural design engineer to an educational leader isn't just a career shift—it's a commitment to reimagining how we understand learning. At Iwee Early Years, we're not just teaching children; we're building inclusive ecosystems where diversity is celebrated and individual potential is nurtured. Three moments that captured our mission this year: 1. "First Panel Experience on Play-Based Learning" Sharing how play transcends traditional learning boundaries https://lnkd.in/ggDRDgeH 2. "Speaking at Early Years Summit" Contributing to vital national conversations about foundational education https://lnkd.in/gPhtcCtc 3. Expanding Iwee Early Years Demonstrating that inclusive education isn't just a philosophy—it's a lived practice My deepest gratitude to Dr. Swati Popat Vats, Preethi Vickram, and the entire ECA APER community for creating platforms that amplify voices committed to transformative education. Looking ahead to 2025: My focus remains unwavering. We'll continue bridging policy and practice, proving that play is the universal language of learning—a language that speaks to every child, regardless of their background or abilities. To every educator, parent, and policymaker: Our children deserve environments where they're not just accommodated, but genuinely celebrated. #InclusiveEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LinkedInRewind #2024Wrapped --
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Building Stronger Futures Through Connection and Growth Personal growth is deeply influenced by the connections we make along the way. For young people, being part of a supportive community helps them explore, learn, and build the confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges. Whether through friendships, mentorship, or shared experiences, these relationships foster resilience, empathy, and a sense of belonging. As young people grow, it’s essential that they develop more than just academic knowledge. They need to cultivate skills like self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills that will empower them to handle life’s obstacles with resilience and a positive outlook. These life skills are the foundation for success, both in their personal and future professional lives. At School of Life Africa, we offer more than just life skills education. Our programs are designed to create a holistic environment where youth, aged 8-18, can thrive and feel supported every step of the way. Through engaging, interactive sessions, we provide the tools needed to make sound decisions, build lasting relationships, and face challenges with confidence. We understand that every young person’s journey is unique, which is why our programs are tailored to meet the needs of each participant. We believe that when they are equipped with the right skills and a strong support network, they will have the confidence to shape their own futures and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. Parents, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Give your child the opportunity to thrive in an environment that supports their growth, both academically and personally. Join us today and help unlock their potential for success! 🔗 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/d2WAxCVR We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible founders Chike Onyia, Esq., Azuka Onyia and principal Chike Onyia for their vision and unwavering commitment to empowering youth. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation is what drives us every day. #SOLAsuccess #YouthEmpowerment #PersonalGrowth #BuildingLeaders #LifeSkills #CommunitySupport
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I remember when we had the first discussion for Runaya Reach, we knew one thing- education holds the key to transformation, especially for young girls because they have the power to transform communities at large. Back then, we decided that our aim through our CSR project will be to ensure that every girl in our operating areas, has access to opportunities that empower her, not just academically but holistically. We understood that education is much more than just books, it’s about nurturing confidence, curiosity, and resilience in every child. In a recent conversation with our team, we were moved by stories of the impact we have been able to make. One such story comes from a vibrant young girl named Prachi Choudhary. Prachi, a 13-year-old girl, shared how the Project Laadli has changed her perspective on education. She recounted how a "Didi" from the project visited her school, shared inspiring success stories of women and showed videos highlighting the importance of education. For Prachi, the most exciting part was learning new things through fun games. She discovered that school wasn’t just about boring lessons and she also attended the latest camp, where she made new friends and learned various skills like karate, painting, crafts, dancing, and singing. Prachi’s story is one of the many, reflecting what happens when we create safe, nurturing spaces where girls can explore their potential. I believe education should ignite joy and curiosity while building life skills. Through interactive sessions, creative activities, and meaningful mentorship, we have been able to make the kids reimagine education as an enabler of dreams. Every success story—like Prachi’s—is a step closer to building an empowered society. But this journey is not ours alone. It’s a shared mission. Together, as a community, we can ensure that every girl’s voice is heard, her dreams are valued, and her future is bright. Because when you educate a girl, you don’t just change her world. You change the world. #InternationalDayOfEducation #NationalGirlChildDay
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"The 28th of June will come one day I'll wake up and be okay But the rain outside says it won't be today" On June 28th, the rain outside may remind us of life's challenges, but it won't dampen our spirits or our dreams. Reflecting on the powerful message of Dream Big Day, we realize that the true essence of dreaming big lies in perseverance and unwavering belief in oneself. 💡 Think Big, Dream Big, Act Big: Be Yourself As children, we were told that the sky is the limit. At Don Bosco Schools, they challenge this notion by reminding us that if we can send shuttles into space, the sky is not the limit—outer space is. This powerful message teaches us that our potential is limitless if we dare to dream beyond boundaries. 🎯 Dreaming Big Requires No Prerequisites: You don’t need money, social status, or a corporate rank to dream big. The first step to achieving great things is daring to dream them. Just like aiming for a 90% score might lead you to an 80+ result, setting high aspirations pushes you closer to your potential. 💡 Lessons Learned: 1️⃣ Fostering Dreams: It is our responsibility as educators, parents, and corporate leaders to nurture the dreams of the young minds around us. By encouraging open-mindedness and providing support, we help them develop the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the world. 2️⃣ Promoting Diversity: Dream Big Day emphasizes breaking down barriers and promoting diversity. It is a reminder that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to dream big and achieve their goals. 3️⃣ Improving Social Mobility: Initiatives like Dream Big Day play a crucial role in improving social mobility. By inspiring children to explore their interests and passions, we create a more inclusive society where anyone can aim high and succeed. 4️⃣ Building Resilience: Dreaming big requires resilience. The journey may be challenging, but with hard work, smart strategies, and determination, we can overcome obstacles and turn our dreams into reality. 5️⃣ Creating a Better Future: By empowering the next generation to dream big, we are investing in a brighter, more innovative future. These young dreamers will become the leaders, thinkers, and creators who will shape the world for the better. Let's take inspiration from Dream Big Day and commit to fostering an environment where everyone feels encouraged to dream big, work smart, and never give up. Together, we can create a world where dreams have no limits. ✨ Dream Big, Work SMART & Never Give Up! ✨ #DreamBigDay #Inspiration #FutureLeaders #Diversity #SocialMobility #Resilience #Empowerment #LimitlessPotential
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Beyond the Classroom: The New Extracurricular Gone are the days when extracurricular activities were limited to sports and clubs. Today, students are redefining what it means to be engaged beyond the classroom. The new extracurricular is about: Personal projects and entrepreneurship Conferences and seminars Volunteering and community service Online courses and certifications Networking and mentorship It's about pursuing your passions, developing valuable skills, and building meaningful connections. Join the movement, redefine extracurricular. #BeyondTheClassroom #NewExtracurricular #PersonalGrowth #SkillDevelopment #CommunityEngagement
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🌟Our community’s future depends on the strength and potential of its youngest members. Giving back to the kids in our community is one of the most impactful ways we can create a brighter tomorrow for everyone. 🌟 There are many ways to make a meaningful difference: 🔶 Mentorship Programs: Share your expertise and experiences by mentoring young individuals. Your guidance can shape their careers and personal growth. 🔶 Volunteer at Schools: Offer your time to support school programs, whether through career days, after-school activities, or guest speaking engagements. 🔶 Support Local Sports Teams: Sponsor a youth sports team or volunteer as a coach. Sports teach kids valuable life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. 🔶 Provide Internships and Job Shadowing: Create opportunities for high school students to gain real-world experience in your industry. This exposure can ignite their passion and guide their career paths. 🔶 Fund Scholarships: Contribute to or establish scholarship programs that help young people achieve their educational goals without the burden of financial stress. 🔶 Organize Community Events: Host or sponsor events that bring families together, such as educational workshops, health fairs, or community clean-ups. 🔶 Donate Resources: Support local schools and youth centers with donations of books, technology, or sports equipment. When we invest in the youth of our community, we pave the way for innovation, resilience, and a thriving future. Let’s take action today and make a difference that echoes for generations. What are your favorite ways to give back? 👇 Share your ideas and stories in the comments below! 👇 #TeamOCMentors #CommunityEngagement #GivingBack #YouthDevelopment #Mentorship
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