The Need

Our mission is to create a new leadership paradigm in young people that is an intentional shift from positional to transformational leadership.

We believe this can be effected when we empower these young ones; who inturn will identify and solve problems in their immediate communities.

What We Do

We groom youth in Public Secondary Schools to be problem solvers and change agents by educating and enlightening them on the roles and responsibilities of transformational leaders and the attributes they exude.

We teach them to focus on the Solution, Not the Problem by equipping them to take responsibility and encouraging them to be nation builders taking the following steps into cognizance:

* Identify and defining the problem
* Generating possible solutions and options
* Evaluating and selecting options
* Monitoring and evaluating results and outcomes

 

We also teach them about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expound the idea of Social Innovation so they can initiate these changes in their Schools, Communities and wherever they find themselves.

In addition, the conception and implementation of their projects, leads to the development of a number of essential skills, such as :
* Problem solving skills
* Team building
* Analytical skills
* Innovative and creative thinking
* Adaptability
* Ability to take initiative
and a lot more.

 

Impact

Over the years we have raised selfless youth-Change Champions who derive a lot of fulfillment from giving back to the society. They take responsibility, initiate positive changes wherever they are and are given to continuous skills development and capacity building.

The Need

Identifying and intentionally grooming young leaders and agents of change, is the crux of our mission. A lot of young people particularly from less privileged backgrounds are at risk of poorer life outcomes due to low self-esteem, lack of opportunities, knowledge, skills and guidance, and so on.

We recognize that personal development is an essential part of their growth and self-improvement, and programs that will develop their capabilities and potential, are vital to enable them realize their dreams and aspirations and fully maximize their potential.

What We Do

We start out by select students across public secondary schools for the program.
Over the years, we have identified key areas of self-development for young people and developed a unique leadership development and mentoring program to  groom and nurture young leaders, instill the right values, skills, knowledge and competences for exemplary living, achievement of life goals, and ethical and responsible citizenship in youth.

Our unique leadership and mentoring
program entails:

Peer Mentoring Activities

We provide support and mentoring for participants and in addition, our unique peer mentoring model equips youth with the skills to mentor, transfer knowledge to their peers and serve as role models in their schools and environs.

Change Champions Project

As part of our #YouthLeadChange Drive, the young Change Champions along with their Mentees are mandated to carry out community development projects and kick start initiatives that positively impact their schools and the community.
The resultant effect of the planning and execution of these projects has been improved team work and enhanced skills development for the young participants.

Schools Educational Outreaches

As part of the program, we identify specific challenges such as poor academic performance, peer pressure and other factors limiting the performance of students in schools we adopt and organize special intervention programs to address them.

Renovation and School Upgrades

We also embark on renovation projects and upgrades within adopted schools to improve the quality of education, enhance learning outcomes and academic performance of underserved students by providing learning infrastructure and a safe, conducive and fully equipped learning environment.

Young Leaders Club

After graduation, the Change Champions become members of S.M.I.L.E's Young Leaders Club, a network of young leaders. Through this platform we foster relationships among the alumni, provide a safe space where they continuously discuss issues affecting them, learn, share ideas and collaborate on social impact projects.

Educational Support and College Scholarship Program

Sadly, after the free Government primary and high school education, many promising students from low-income families are at risk of dropping out of school and will never realize their dream of achieving a college education unless aid comes in the form of scholarship opportunities. We therefore provide college scholarships for deserving and promising indigent students.

Testimonial

What Our Client’s Say

It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow you get rid of everything that is not essential to makihave to get bad.

Become a partner

Kindly partner with us to impact more underserved youth.

Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E) is a youth leadership development and mentoring non-profit organization established in Lagos. Nigeria in 2011 (S.M.I.L.E) and in Maryland, United States of America in 2017 (S.M.I.L.E Initiative)

Do you have questions?
Call or visit us.
+234 708 736 4005

Maryland, U.S.A   Lagos Nigeria

smileinitiative@ymail.com
info@smileng.org

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