Community and Youth Development Initiatives - CYDI

06/05/2026

Calling All Young People!

Are you a young person looking for opportunities, useful information, personal growth, and a safe space to learn and stay informed?

The Young People’s Safety Hub was created for young people who want to grow, become better informed, and access valuable opportunities that can positively shape their future.

Through this platform, young people can access information and opportunities such as:

• Scholarships and educational opportunities
• Competitions and youth development programs
• Internships, grants, and career opportunities
• Personal development and life skills resources
• Leadership and civic engagement opportunities
• Information on health, safety, and wellbeing
• Safe school and child protection information
• Digital safety and online awareness tips
• Updates on training, workshops, and conferences
• Youth-focused advocacy and empowerment opportunities
• Guidance on personal growth and self-development
• Networking and community engagement opportunities

Whether you are in school, recently graduated, learning a skill, or currently out of school, this community is open to you. It is a space where young people can learn, connect, speak up, and access information that truly matters.

We believe that every young person deserves access to knowledge, opportunities, guidance, and a supportive community that encourages growth and positive living.

Join the WhatsApp Channel today and become part of a growing community of informed, empowered, and safety-conscious young people.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCUNUg4Y9lwFIVpNl2Y

Please share this with young people you know both in and out of school. Someone around you may need this opportunity.

Powered by Community and Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI)

06/05/2026

HER VOICE, HER VISION 📝
With support from the Fund, we are proud to announce the 2026 edition of the “Her Voice, Her Vision” Essay Competition, and this time, we are focusing on a critical issue affecting millions of girls; child marriage.

We are inviting girls aged 12–19 in junior and senior secondary schools to share their thoughts on how education can protect, empower, and transform the future of every girl.

DETAILS:
Theme: Her Voice, Her Vision: Education as a Tool for Ending Child Marriage
Word Limit: 500 words max
Format: MS Word/Google Docs, 12-point Trebuchet MS, double-spaced
Deadline: June 30, 2026

🏆 Prizes & Recognition:
- Cash prizes, certificates of participation, and recognition at the DARE Conference will be awarded to the top three winners (First, Second, and Third place).
- In addition, 10 outstanding essays (including the 3 winners and 7 Honorable Mentions) will be selected for publication.

Submit your entry via the link: https://bit.ly/NGEC2026

This is a platform for girls to speak, be heard, and contribute to ending child marriage through the power of education.
Let her voice be seen. Let her vision lead change.

06/05/2026

29/04/2026

02/04/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our Essay Commpetition Finals from the Junior and Senior Category, Imo and Benue respectively. Your Awards are well deserved!

01/04/2026

The hall is SET for our Essay Finals!

26/03/2026

Access to education is stagnating globally.

In 2024, 273 million children and young people were out of school worldwide. This means that 1 in 6 school-age children are excluded from education..

Population growth, conflict and tightening education budgets are slowing progress and leaving millions behind.

These trends are highlighted in UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report on access and equity. As the world’s leading reference on the state of education, the GEM Report Unesco guides policies, tracks progress towards quality learning for all, and brings together governments, partners and civil society to help keep education a global priority. Explore the latest findings: https://bit.ly/gemreport2026

26/03/2026

On February 24, 2026, we had the privilege of bringing together Education Officers from the Imo State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Secondary Education Management Board, SEMB, and the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board, IMSUBEB, for a one day training.

It was more than just a training, it was a moment of learning, sharing, and strengthening our collective commitment to improving the lives of young people. We focused on Family Life and Health Education, FLHE, while also equipping participants from six LGAs with practical skills to collect and use data effectively to support education for health and wellbeing.

At CYDI, we believe that when education officers are empowered with the right knowledge and tools, real change happens in our schools and communities. We are grateful for the partnership and support of the UNESCO Abuja Office in making this possible.

Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for young people in Imo State.

16/02/2026

ESSAY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BENUE & IMO STATES

Topic: “Women’s Inclusion in Community Leadership as a Rights-Based Strategy for Preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria”

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Handwritten essay only (maximum of 350 words)
• Must include:
– Student’s full name
– School name and address
– Phone number
– Residential address

• Open to secondary school students in Benue and Imo States only

APPLICATION TIMELINE
Opens: 6th February 2026
Closes: 26th February 2026
(Late entries will not be accepted)

SUBMISSION
Scanned copies to: [email protected]

Hard copy submission addresses:

Benue State:
Justice and Rights Initiative
No. 19 John Onaivi Street, High Level, Makurdi, Benue State, Phone: 07078105796

Imo State:
Community & Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI)
54 Ekwema Crescent, Ikenegbu Layout, near Jevinik Restaurant, Owerri, Imo State. Phone: 07067829295

Only shortlisted students with the best essays will be contacted for the second and final round of the competition.

Selected students will be invited to Enugu for the final round and must come accompanied by a teacher.

For enquiries: Pascal – 08034265387
Attractive prizes await winners!

11/02/2026

A very short story