Hand-To-Mind Initiative
Empowering Young People Through Education and Advocacy
Nigeria is a country where adolescents face numerous challenges, ranging from sexual grooming and child marriage to menstrual inequity and harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), the need for comprehensive education and advocacy has never been more urgent.
The “Hand-to-Mind Initiative” is stepping up to address these critical issues through a unique blend of play, learning, and leadership development. With its three core expressions: Thematic Areas (Sexual Grooming, Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and Menstral Equity), Toolkits, and Clubs, the initiative is reshaping the narrative around the challenges affecting adolescents in Africa and beyond.
The first expression of the Hand to mind initiative; The Thematic Areas: Building a Foundation for Change
At the heart of the Hand-to-Mind Initiative are four thematic areas that address pressing challenges faced by adolescents:
Sexual Grooming (SG): Empowering adolescents to recognize and resist sexual predators through sensitization programs.
Menstrual Health and Equity (MHM): Breaking the silence and stigma around menstruation while addressing period poverty.
Child Marriage (CM): Advocating against early marriage and its detrimental effects on young girls.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Combating harmful traditional practices that violate the rights and health of girls and women.
These themes form the foundation of the “Outreach Youth and Adolescent Lab”, a dynamic program that synergizes the strengths of the Hand-to-Mind Project and the Outreach Youth Lab. Through a unique blend of play and learning, the Lab educates and empowers adolescents while building the capacity of 40 emerging youth leaders annually. Over six months, fellows are trained in:
Effective advocacy strategies
Media campaigns for community development
Co-creation and collaboration approaches to build sustainable youth-led movements
This holistic approach ensures that young leaders are not only informed but also equipped to drive meaningful change in their communities.
The second expression driving structured learning : Toolkits
The Hand-to-Mind Initiative leverages homegrown educational materials to facilitate structured learning. One standout tool is the use of “interactive flash cards” and an animation named “UNEXPECTED”, which spark thoughtful discussions by combining relatable imagery with powerful messages. These toolkits are designed to resonate with communities, making complex topics accessible and engaging.
Third Expression through the Clubs: Ensuring Sustained Engagement and Leadership Development
Hand-to-Mind Clubs, known as “Bold Spaces”, are safe hubs for sustained engagement, leadership development, and impact. Located in schools, IDP camps, prisons, and communities, they empower adolescents to recognize harmful situations like sexual grooming and cross-generational relationships. Through consistent education, peer support, and advocacy, these clubs foster deep understanding and lasting change, helping young people protect themselves and thrive. Bold Spaces ensure the initiative’s impact is both meaningful and enduring.
The Hand-to-Mind Initiative is more than a program, it’s a movement. By educating and empowering adolescents, we are creating a generation of informed, courageous, and compassionate leaders. But we can’t do it alone. We need your insights, expertise, and passion to help us decide where to start and how to grow. Whether you’re a young person, an expert, a volunteer, or an advocate, your voice matters.
Together, we can transform lives, one mind at a time.
