In a bid to liberate many leaders, inspire communities, and create leaders who will impact their generation and future generations through effective facilitation and mentoring, Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative has launched a leadership program in a school in Matogun, Ogun State.

Hammed Kayode Alabi, founder of the initiative said they reached out to over 150 students at the time and began this transformative journey of creating leaders.

“Seven years down the line, KLCI is still committed to making a difference in the lives of young individuals in Africa. This milestone is a testament to our mission to continually empower children in underserved communities, including displaced communities, slums, and rural and suburban areas.

“Since inception, we have developed a three-pronged approach based on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Mentorship and Advocacy to achieve our goals,” AlabI said.

He hinted that through a strategic framework, they have successfully used the blended learning approach to provide comprehensive leadership and career development training for our participants.

“Over the years, our passion for innovation contributed to the commencement of impactful programs such as Skill2Rural Bootcamp, Project LECT and Teachers-in-Training Bootcamp.

“We have successfully reached over 8000 students through our Project LECT and Skill2Rural bootcamp” he said.

Wankonobi Benedict, a student from the 2023 edition of Benue Skill2Rural bootcamp shared his experience.

“It has been a valuable experience. It provided me the opportunity to learn new skills and expand my knowledge in a supportive and collaborative environment. I can apply the lessons to real-world scenarios. In summary, Skill2Rural bootcamp has equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my professional goals and take my career to the next level.”

Skill2Rural is strategically designed to cover all aspects of problem-solving to equip students with the ability to create solutions.

The participants are allowed to develop prototypes for contemporary problems in their communities, thereby practically developing skills like collaboration and design thinking.

“Apart from this, we recognise the importance of equipping young educators with skills in our Teachers-in-Training Bootcamp. Through this initiative, we have reached over 70 educators,” Alabi said.

Oni Shola Segun, a participant in The Teachers in Training Bootcamp, also shared his experience.

“The program profoundly shaped my life and career by providing intensive hands-on experience, mentorship, and practical skills. It equipped me with the pedagogical knowledge, classroom management techniques, and confidence needed to excel as an educator. The supportive community fostered during the Bootcamp continues to inspire and motivate me. It’s been instrumental in shaping my teaching philosophy and approach, ensuring that I can make a meaningful impact on my students’ lives.”

AlabI explained that their unique curriculum is designed to raise teachers capable of generating innovative teaching strategies. Through this, he said participants have developed creative solutions to educational challenges.

“The tremendous impact we have recorded in over 10 States in Nigeria ( Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Rivers, and Kaduna), wouldn’t have happened without the efforts of our team of over 100 volunteers.

“These individuals have consistently volunteered their time and service to ensure that we keep creating sustainable change in underserved communities.

“We appreciate all the organizations that are integral to our success throughout this journey.

“Their support ensured we implemented our programs in different parts of Nigeria and outside the shores of the country.

“In 2022, partnership helped us to establish a footprint in Malawi, through the development of the Global Classroom in a Refugee Camp,” Alabi said.

He says the event occurred because of a strategic partnership.

“Celebrating our seventh anniversary is a reflection of our steady growth. A Journey that started in the heart of our founder, evolved into a collective mission to empower young leaders in underserved communities.

“This year, we will be launching our Skill2Rural Edtech Platform to scale up our work in underserved, rural and underdeveloped communities in different parts of Africa.

“Looking ahead, we aim to keep creating opportunities for every individual to reach their full potential,” he added.