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Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E)•Newsfeed

22 GIRLS GRADUATE FROM S.M.I.L.E DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAM 💃🏾💃🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾

It’s been an interesting upskilling journey for the 22 young leaders in an all girls public secondary school we adopted in Lagos State, this year.
 
These smart girls within the ages of 14- 18 years old were taken through an intensive seven weeks Digital Literacy Program/ basic Computer Appreciation Course.
 
 
Being digitally literate is now a major criterion for relevance and success in today’s world and it has become more imperative that we give girls access to opportunities in the tech space.
 
 
We are glad we could help bridge the digital divide once again by digitally empowering these girls who could have been marginalized for lack of these skills.
 
Our profound gratitude goes to our partner in the United States of America, Sherlanda Jackson, for sponsoring this impactful program and Develop Africa Inc., USA/ Computer Equipment For Kids, USA for donating the 10 laptops used for the program.
 
 
Needless to say, this feat wouldn’t have been possible without the immense support of the management of the school, Mrs Jinmi-Ahisu and Mrs Oluremi Ladipo as well as our dynamic instructors- Mr Jesse Okpara C.E.O Mobitranes Technologies, Mr Gbenga Adebayo and Miss Alimot Uthman, who simplified the lessons/modules making it more practical for easy assimilation.
 
 
We look forward to more support and partnerships as we empower more young leaders with digital skills in the new year.
 
 
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders

The Young Trailblazer || December

Dear Friends,

This month’s spotlight is on Ifiok Isang a young Entrepreneur and a certified Google IT Support Specialist.

He is the founder of A-PLUS Technology an online store for the sales of mobile devices like phones, tablets and repairs of computers

He’s a 2021 Mentee of S.M.I.L.E’s Executive Mentoring Program for Youth, through the program he has been able to define his career path and broaden his business mindset.

Three words that best describe him are: Enthusiastic, Confident and Friendly.

S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of leaders.

13 MENTEES SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE 2022 EXECUTIVE MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH (EMPY) 💃🏾🕺🏾

Hurray!!
We can’t keep calm!
We are glad to felicitate with the 13 Mentees (comprising of Undergraduates, young Entrepreneurs and Graduates) who successfully completed the intensive 6 months transformational (EMPY) program; consisting of monthly webinars, one on one mentoring sessions and a group social impact project.
The program provided a platform for these Youth to receive clarity and guidance regarding their dreams, aspirations and personal quest for success.
We are highly indebted to our exemplary and selfless mentor, Mr Tunde Mabawonku Chief Finance and Strategy Officer, Wema Bank Plc, a great leader who dedicated his time to opening the minds of our Youth to new stages of opportunity and strength. No doubt, his mentorship has been an invaluable gift to us.
The Executive Mentoring Program for Youth ended on a high note stretching the mentees to explore new heights and we look forward to mentoring more Youth in the new year.
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders

A GRAND WRAP UP OF THE 2022 S.M.I.L.E EXECUTIVE MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH💃🏾🕺🏾

One of the highlights of the hangout held to mark the end of the 2022 Executive Mentoring Program for Youth, was a special painting session.
 
 
This relaxing activity provided an opportunity for the EMPY mentees and their awesome mentor, Mr Tunde Mabawonku, the Chief Finance and Strategy Officer, Wema Bank Plc, to bond, have fun and explore their creativity.
 
The celebration ended with exchange of gifts and an outpour of appreciation from the mentees to their mentor.
 
 
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the intensive 6 months Executive Mentoring Program for Youth(EMPY).
 
 
Our profound gratitude goes to our dear Board Member and Mentor, Mr Tunde Mabawonku for choosing to make this investment in the lives of our Youth.
 
In 2023, we will continue to provide more mentoring platforms for young people to learn from top executives in their niche.
 
 
#YouthLeadChange #mentor #youth #education
www.smileng.org
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders

A GRAND WRAP UP OF THE 2022 S.M.I.L.E EXECUTIVE MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH💃🏾🕺🏾

Sunday December 4, 2022 will always remain indelible in our minds.
 
It was a day to feast and reflect on the awesome journey of impact between our amazing Mentor, Mr Tunde Mabawonku Chief Finance and Strategy Officer, Wema Bank Plc and his 13 Mentees.
 
 
The lunch which held at Zen Garden Restaurant, Ikeja was filled with laughter, joy and appreciation as the mentees took time out to express their gratitude to their mentor for his time, generosity and for providing guidance in various aspects of their lives.
 
 
As a youth development organization, we understand the importance of mentorship and we will continue to provide more mentoring platforms for young people.
 
 
#YouthLeadChange
www.smileng.org
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders

The Young Trailblazer || November

Dear Friends,
 
 
This month’s spotlight is on Daniel Allison, an intern at S.M.I.L.E, and an emerging young leader who is skilled at video editing and social media marketing.
 
Two words that best describe him are humble and reserved.
 
 
#YouthLeadChange
Building a better world, raising a new generation of leaders

S.M.I.L.E SUPPORTS DISTINCT TEENS SUMMIT IN IKORODU

As a youth development organization, we are glad to be one of the partners of the educative and enlightening fourth edition of the Distinct Teens Summit organized by Radiance Niche on the 1st of October, 2022 which impacted 159 teenagers in Ikorodu.
 
 
This year’s summit with the Theme: Connect the Dots, was aimed at bridging the knowledge and skills gap of teenagers in Ikorodu and addressed issues around Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV), Tech Skills for Teens, Entrepreneurship, Academic Excellence and Self-discovery.
 
 
We are so proud of Mrs Ajibola Babalola, the founder of Radiance Niche, a graduate of S.M.I.L.E’s 2016 Social Enterprise Development Program, and the 2014 Most Outstanding Leadership Award recipient of the S.M.I.L.E One Year Mentoring and Leadership Program for Graduates and Young Professionals, for another laudable initiative.
 
 
#YouthLeadChange
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders
www.smileng.org

S.M.I.L.E SUPPORTS LEARN WITH NOTEBOOKS PROJECT ORGANIZED BY RADIANCE NICHE IN IKORODU 💃🏾🕺🏾

As an organization, we believe in the ability of young people to make a positive impact and we will continue to support impact-driven Youth who are solving problems within their communities.
 
 
It gives us so much pleasure to donate 200 notebooks towards the house to house, Learn with Notebooks Project, an educational intervention organized in the Ikorodu community by Mrs Ajibola Babalola, the founder of Radiance Niche and a graduate of S.M.I.L.E’s Social Enterprise Development Program, to ensure that no child lacks basic educational materials.
 
 
We are so proud of her and her laudable initiative and with the help of our partners we will continue to support more young people blazing a trail in their communities.
 
 
#YouthLeadChange
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders

S.M.I.L.E CELEBRATES TWO OUTSTANDING TEACHERS IN THE 2022 YOUNG LEADERS MENTORING PROGRAM 🌹🌹

Today, we are exhilarated to celebrate our most outstanding 2022 teachers, Mrs Oluremi Ladipo of Jagunmolu Girls Senior Grammar School and Mrs Victoria Adeyemo of Lanre Awolokun Senior High School, who have been instrumental in driving the 2022 S.M.I.L.E Young Leaders Mentoring Program in their respective schools.
Through their tenacity and tremendous sacrifice, the students in their respective schools were able to champion a Farm project in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2- Zero Hunger; and distribute their farm produce amongst students and teachers.
Special appreciation also goes to Mrs Adeyemo, who was instrumental in ensuring the success of the S.M.I.L.E Digital Literacy Program aimed at bridging the digital divide amongst students.
Their dedication to this program helped us achieve our goals as an organization this year. We are privileged to have them as a support system and partners.
#YouthLeadChange
S.M.I.L.E…Building a better world, raising a new generation of Leaders
www.smileng.org

CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF TEACHERS💃🏾🕺🏾

Happy World Teachers’ Day ❤️
Teachers are special !
Teachers are gifts to the world!
One day is not enough to celebrate the exceptional role teachers play in molding the lives of our children and Youth.
As an organization, we are indebted to you and we appreciate your partnership with our Youth development initiatives across public secondary schools.
Thank you for working tirelessly to enrich the lives of the next generation, because of your commitment and sacrifices you bring out the best in our Youth.
We celebrate you today and always
#YouthLeadChange
www.smileng.org

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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