Empowering Street Children and Youth in Nigeria
AKHIN Africa is a social impact nonprofit organization creating inclusive and alternative learning spaces for street and out-of-school youngsters (aged 12-23 years) in Africa. The organization focuses on street children empowerment in Nigeria through rehabilitation, education, vocational and entrepreneurial training, and community reintegration.
WHO IS AN AKHIN?
We believe that our participants, called AKHIN, which stands for resilience, courage, fearlessness, and independence in Yoruba, have the power to gradually break the cycle of poverty and become agents of change in the street community.
To achieve this, AKHIN Africa provides alternative and inclusive residential spaces where street youngsters get rehabilitated, explore their interests and talents, can access formal education or hands-on vocational training, and acclimate to living in an empathetic and supportive community by developing a sense of service and learning to manage conflicts responsibly.
The Problem We Address – Street Children in Nigeria
Recent National Bureau of Statistics data estimates about 24.4 million homeless people in Nigeria, though it does not specify how many are youth. In cities like Ibadan, Oyo State, the number of homeless youngsters is substantial.
From years of street-level engagement, we have encountered many youngsters who are disconnected from their families; often orphans, semi-orphans, and survivors of abuse. These realities reflect the broader challenges facing street children and youngsters in Nigeria.
These youngsters live in impoverished slums, surviving through scavenging and facing cycles of poverty, imprisonment, or early parenthood. With little or no access to education or vocational training, their chances of reintegration are slim. The harsh conditions of street life often push them toward drug use, crime, or prostitution, leading to incarceration, illness, and premature death.
Our Journey So Far
A look at key moments and milestones that have shaped AKHIN Africa’s work with young people and communities over time.
Testimonials from stakeholders
FAQs
AKHIN Africa is a social impact NGO in Nigeria focused on empowering street and out-of-school youth through rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and community reintegration.
AKHIN Africa works with youngsters aged 12 to 23 living on the streets or excluded from formal education, including orphans, survivors of abuse, and youths from marginalized communities.
AKHIN Africa operates in Ibadan and Soku in Oyo State, Okuku in Osun State, and Lagos, with community-based programs and residential learning spaces.
AKHIN uses a holistic rehabilitation model combining street engagement, psychosocial support, sports and storytelling therapy, mentorship, and placement in inclusive learning environments.
AKHIN Africa provides formal education pathways and vocational training in farming, trades, creative industries, and technical skills, combined with entrepreneurship and life skills development.
Yes. Graduates receive entrepreneurial mentorship, access to startup funding, and employment pathways to build sustainable livelihoods.
AKHIN Africa has directly impacted 140 youngsters through rehabilitation, education, vocational training, family reunification, and entrepreneurship support.
