Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization that delivers evidence-based programs aimed at building young people’s health assets, improving access to health services and promoting adherence to healthy behaviors. Since 2011, YEDI has been tackling the significant challenges faced by adolescents and young people in Nigeria.

These challenges include mental health issues, accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services and a lack of quality information about SRHR. YEDI’s commitment to empowering young people is evident through its partnerships and programs, advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country. Through its various programs, YEDI has impacted more than 458,560 young people across Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Akwa Ibom and Rivers State.

The SKILLZ Program

Since 2012, YEDI has partnered with Grassroot Soccer (GRS) to implement the SKILLZ program in Nigeria. The program is delivered through fixed and outreach sites, which serve as safe spaces for young people aged 10-24, as well as the broader population in underserved communities. YEDI’s interventions provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and services, equipping young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. The SKILLZ program also promotes gender equality, empowering young women and girls, as well as young men and boys, to become leaders and advocates within their communities.

The SKILLZ program has impacted at least 370,000 adolescents by providing comprehensive information and services related to SRHR, gender-based violence, gender equality, mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment. YEDI collaborates with partners across diverse thematic areas, including gender-based organizations, to ensure that survivors of abuse and individuals in need of health care services, such as those requiring HIV/AIDS care, receive adequate counseling, support and treatment. Through its programs, YEDI has referred more than 56,000 people for proper care and treatment, helping them along their recovery journey.

Cultivating Safe Spaces for Young People

YEDI was also part of the consortium that implemented the USAID-funded Youth Powered Ecosystem for Adolescent Health (YPE4AH) project. This initiative aimed to improve the health and well-being of urban, underprivileged, out-of-school and unmarried adolescents aged 15–19 in Kano and Lagos. As part of the project, YEDI established and managed six youth-friendly centers in these cities, which played a crucial role in developing life skills for more than 66,000 out-of-school adolescents in Nigeria.

In addition, YEDI has extensive experience in creating safe spaces for young people. Since 2015, YEDI has managed seven Hello Lagos Youth Friendly Centers in partnership with the Lagos Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), benefiting about 1,000 young mothers and 100,000 adolescents in Lagos State.

Using Soccer to Engage Adolescents

YEDI uses soccer as a natural hook to engage adolescents on issues related to their health and relationships, identifying innovative ways for them to become champions within their communities. YEDI’s programs are designed to reflect the needs, interests and behaviors of young people while strengthening their SRHR and life skills. Both trained female and male “near-peer” coaches deliver the evidence-based and age-appropriate SKILLZ curriculum, which integrates soccer language, metaphors and activities to promote reflection on gender norms, goal setting and achievement.

The BEAT NTD Project

To combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, YEDI implemented the “BEAT NTD” project in Lagos and Rivers states. This initiative resulted in a 45% increase in awareness and knowledge about NTD prevention and mitigation, improved access to health care and a 10% reduction in the prevalence of NTDs. The project successfully reached a total of 3,101 adolescents in the targeted communities, contributing to better health outcomes in these areas.

Furthermore, the organization actively participates in key networks and community bodies, including the Lagos State Adolescent Health and Development Technical Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria. These engagements strengthen YEDI’s capacity for impactful collaboration, advocacy and knowledge-sharing, all aimed at advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country.

Conclusion

YEDI plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Nigeria. By creating safe spaces and engaging youth in meaningful discussions, the organization empowers the next generation to become advocates for their health and communities, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.

– Staff Reports
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