THE PROBLEM WE ADDRESS
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 our several years of street-level work, we have encountered many who are completely disconnected from their families; often orphans, semi-orphans, many survivors of abuse. These youths live in impoverished slums, surviving through scavenging and facing a cycle of poverty, imprisonment, or early parenthood. With little or no access to education or vocational training, their chances of integrating into society are slim. The harsh, loveless conditions of street life frequently push them toward drug use, crime, or prostitution, which in turn leads to incarceration, illness, and, tragically, premature death.
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.
WE RESCUE, REHABILITATE, EMPOWER, THEN REINTEGRATE
*Note: Those who choose formal schooling are usually supported beyond 6 months, depending on their age and prior education level.
All timeframes given for each phrase are a rough average.
Rescue
We organize street football tournaments as a tool to rescue street youngsters, providing them with rehabilitation through sport and storytelling, mentorship, and essential life skills and empowerment to start rebuilding their lives.
Back to School
We support participants who choose to return to school by enrolling them in educational programs and ensuring they have access to an inclusive learning environment.
Vocation Training
Participants who choose vocational training receive hands-on instruction in their chosen field in addition to entrepreneurial training and are provided with a startup seed fund/job opportunity to help them launch their careers.
How we work
We trace the home
Together with Social Welfare Officers, we trace families and assess the possibility of reunification. Based on our findings, we provide support to strengthen family relationships and create a safe, nurturing environment for the child to thrive.
When the home is toxic
If a child's home is unsafe, they stay with us until they can become independent, their home situation improves, or we find a better opportunity for them to grow and thrive.
Mentorship
Besides having access to education, every participant is mentored by someone who has successfully completed the training. These mentors provide personalized guidance and share their experiences with new participants. Every mentor also serves as an ambassador of AKHIN.
We are a community
Your journey doesn’t end when you become independent or reunite with your family. We stay connected with all our participants, forming a lifelong community we call AKHINs.