Summary of Activities

2024

At the Youth hut, we believe that academic excellence is crucial and good. We also believe that academic achievements alone do not provide teenagers and youths with the life and self-leadership skills necessary to act decisively and think strategically. The Youth Hut programs aim to bridge this gap by helping them develop these skills.

Purpose of the Youth hut

  • To equip teenagers and youths aged 12-25 through strategic tailored training, transformative programs and other practical experiences, to build their leadership skills and empower them to take on meaningful roles in their communities and beyond.
  • To expose teenagers and youths to sustainable development goals, 2 (Zero Hunger), 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality), and to encourage them to live through them.
  • To give opportunities and exposure to teenagers and youths at the grassroot, at self-leadership, thereby effecting generational changes.
  • To enable teenagers and youths to become change makers, innovators, and leaders.

Our programs are ultimately designed to

  • Empower youth to take charge of their future.
  • Shape their minds to think critically and strategically.
  • Equip them with the knowledge and wisdom to make decisive actions.
  • Build self-confidence.
  • Develop emotional intelligence.
  • Strengthen communication skills.
  • Foster networking and relationship-building both internationally and within their community.
  • Cultivate leadership abilities and more.

Our Achievements in 2024

February 2024

We launched the year with a leadership seminar focusing on the subject matter of Relationships. The seminar highlighted the importance of understanding relationships as the foundation of human interaction, well-being, and personal growth. Participants explored the impact of relationships—whether personal, professional, or social—on their emotional and physical health.

Key Takeaways

Healthy Support Systems:

Healthy relationships provide emotional security and help us navigate life’s challenges. Friends, family, or spouses can offer comfort, guidance, and great support during difficult times.

Humans are inherently social beings. Being in relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, fosters a sense of belonging. Social connections are vital for reducing loneliness and creating a positive sense of community.

Strong, supportive relationships contribute to better mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Having someone to talk to and share experiences with can be very therapeutic.

Relationships can also have a direct impact on physical well-being. Research shows that people with strong social ties tend to live longer, have lower rates of illness, and recover faster from health setbacks.

Relationships challenge us to grow and develop. Through communication, understanding, compromise, and conflict resolution, we learn more about ourselves and others. They can be a source of inspiration and a catalyst for personal growth.

Being in meaningful relationships is one of the greatest contributors to happiness. Shared experiences, celebrations, and mutual support bring joy and fulfillment into our lives

Understanding professional relationships, such as those with colleagues, mentors, or clients, is key to career advancement. Strong networks and collaborative efforts can lead to career growth and opportunities.

Having close relationships gives life a deeper sense of purpose. Whether it’s raising a family, mentoring others, or being part of a social group, these connections give us goals and a sense of responsibility.

For teenagers and youth, the focus was on how the future begins now. It is crucial to start learning the intricacies of relationships, especially how to choose friends wisely, set boundaries, and recognize when to let go of unhelpful connections. This early self-awareness and intentional relationship-building will lay the groundwork for personal and professional success in the future. 

April 2024

The focus of the leadership seminar in April was on Character and Leadership: The Foundation for Effective Leadership.

Key Takeaway: Character is a Choice as inspired by John C. Maxwell.

Just as balloons come in various colors and designs, they all share one essential characteristic: they are filled with air. A balloon that is empty on the inside, regardless of how colorful or fancy it may be on the outside, will never truly stand out. It lacks substance and cannot fulfill its purpose in the same way a well-filled balloon can.

The same principle applies to character. What’s inside—our values, principles, integrity, and mindset—shapes who we are and what we become. Our external appearance or success might catch attention, but it is our character that defines our true essence and ability to lead effectively. Character is something we choose to develop, and it impacts how we interact with others, make decisions, and respond to life’s challenges.

Thinking Point: What does it mean to be bigger on the inside than on the outside?

Being “bigger on the inside than the outside” means that the values, qualities, and strength we carry within us should outweigh our external appearances or achievements. It’s about having a rich inner world that guides us through life—being grounded, thoughtful, and resilient. A person with great character shines because their inner strength and moral compass lead them to make positive, impactful choices, regardless of external pressures or superficial recognition. They are driven by purpose and values that transcend what is visible on the surface.

July 2024

For four weeks in July 2024, the Youth Hut took 18 teenagers through a four-week master class on the Eleven Principles of Learning adapted from John C Maxwell book, Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Teens. 

Through out the four weeks, the teenagers learned through the powerful story of others that to lead themselves truthfully, they have to apply the following:

  • Humility – The spirit of learning
  • Reality – The foundation of learning
  • Responsibility – The first step of learning
  • Improvement – The focus of learning
  • Hope – The motivation of learning
  • Teachability – The pathway of learning
  • Adversity – The catalyst for learning
  • Problems – Opportunities for learning
  • Bad Experience – The perspective for learning
  • Change – The price of learning
  • Maturity – The value of learning

SUMMER BREAK

August to September

October 2024

Spring ushered us into learning about forgiveness and what better time to learn about forgiveness than at a young age. The participants learned that:

Forgiveness is Not...

Forgiveness is a powerful and liberating choice, but it is often misunderstood. It does not mean we condone or approve of the wrongs done to us. It is not about forgetting or dismissing the hurt; rather, it is about releasing the hold that the offense has on our hearts and minds. Adapted from the iChoose teachings of John C. Maxwell, here’s what forgiveness is not:

1. Forgiveness is not approving of what they did:

Forgiveness does not mean that the actions that hurt you are acceptable. It is not a form of excusing the behavior. Instead, it’s about choosing to let go of the resentment or anger and recognizing that holding onto those negative emotions harms you more than the person who hurt you.

Forgiving someone doesn’t require denying the reality of what happened or pretending it didn’t cause pain. In fact, acknowledging the hurt is an important part of the healing process. Forgiveness is about coming to terms with the reality of the situation without allowing it to define your future.

Forgiveness is a personal decision, and you don’t have to wait for the other person to acknowledge their wrongdoing or apologize. Forgiveness is an act of self-liberation, allowing you to release the emotional burden and find peace regardless of the other person’s actions.

“Forgiving and forgetting” is a common saying, but it oversimplifies the complexity of forgiveness. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean erasing the memory of what happened, nor should it. It’s about choosing not to let those memories dictate your present and future. Forgiveness means no longer holding that offense against the person in a way that controls your emotional state.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean the hurt disappears instantly. It’s normal to feel pain, anger, or sadness after being wronged. Forgiveness is not about erasing those feelings; it’s about not allowing them to fester and take over your life. It’s a process that takes time, and it allows you to heal without carrying the burden of bitterness.

Forgiveness is often an ongoing process. It’s a choice you make, and sometimes, it needs to be repeated as emotions resurface. Each time you forgive, you free yourself a little more. It may take time to truly heal, and that’s okay—what matters is your willingness to keep choosing forgiveness.

In essence, forgiveness is not about the other person; it’s about you. It’s about freeing yourself from the hold of anger and resentment so you can move forward with peace and emotional freedom. While it may be challenging and require patience, it is ultimately an empowering act that promotes healing, growth, and emotional resilience.

December 2024

To close out the year, we hosted a leadership seminar focused on self-worth, and participants walked away with the understanding that self-worth, like leadership, is a choice. The choices we make shape the essence of our lives, and self-worth is no exception—it’s something we choose every day.

We explored the idea that the price tag we place on ourselves is crucial because it directly influences how others perceive and treat us, as well as how we treat others. The way you view and value yourself has a profound impact on your interactions with the world. Your self-perception and self-worth influence how others see you, how they engage with you, and how you respond to them.

Recognizing the importance of our self-value is key to fostering meaningful relationships. When we appreciate our worth, we set the foundation for others to do the same, leading to healthier, more respectful connections. Understanding and embracing our self-worth empowers us to build stronger, more positive relationships, both with ourselves and with those around us. Most importantly, it helps us believe in ourselves, creating a life filled with confidence, purpose and the ability to attract and nurture genuine, uplifting connections.  

Special appreciation

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the youth leaders who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to teach and inspire the next generation at our youth organization. Your commitment to guiding and empowering young minds has made a lasting impact. Through your leadership, you’ve helped shape the future of these youth, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to first, truthfully lead themselves, going on to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for showing that true leadership is not just about leading others, but about uplifting and mentoring those who follow.

Feyikemi Oyewole

Founder – The Youth Hut