Community and Youth Development Initiatives - CYDI

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)

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.

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

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!