June Monthly Recap; Empowering Youth, One Conversation at a Time!
As the first half of the year comes to a close, June was nothing short of remarkable at the Smile Outreach Foundation. With impactful bold space revisits, activations, and meaningful conversations taking place across multiple states, our mission to empower young minds and protect adolescent well-being continues to grow stronger.
Here’s a recap of everything we accomplished together in June 2025:
REVISITS: Strengthening Roots, Deepening Impact
Government Day Secondary School, Ladi Atiku, Adamawa – June 18
We returned to GDSS Ladi Atiku to reconnect with Hand to Mind Club members and welcome new faces. Led by Abubakar Bagudu and volunteer Amina Babangida, the session revisited essential topics such as sexual grooming, self-awareness, and academic focus.
Despite challenges bridging knowledge gaps between old and new members, open dialogue and anonymous Q&A created a safe, supportive space for students to share and learn.
Junior Secondary School, Nyanya, Abuja – June 11
This powerful revisit focused on sexual grooming and cross-generational relationships. The session started with a reflection on previous feedback, affirming that students retained key lessons. Facilitators encouraged honest discussions, with students actively participating and using anonymous submissions to voice sensitive concerns. This session reaffirmed our deep commitment to the safety and empowerment of the students we serve.
We continued engaging with students at JSS Garki and Bright Hope Schools in Lagos and Government Day Secondary School Old GRA JIMETA continuing our conversation and offering consistent mentorship through the Hand to Mind Club framework.
ACTIVATIONS: Launching Bold Spaces for Safer Schools
Crescent Academy, Jimeta, Adamawa – June 19
We officially activated a Bold Space Club at Crescent Academy, creating a structured platform for adolescents to learn, reflect, and support one another.
Led by Abubakar Bagudu and supported by top-performing team members like Fatima Haruna and Najaatu Abdullahi Bashir, the activation featured joint discussions with teachers and students, with a memorable Q&A and photo session to mark the beginning of a new chapter.
The school’s enthusiastic participation promises a strong future for the club.
Aje Comprehensive Junior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos
In another new activation, we introduced the Hand to Mind Club to eager students at Aje Comprehensive. Facilitators explored adolescent sexual health, grooming, and boundary-setting using engaging tools like a flashcard game.
Though time constraints limited Q&A, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Students showed excitement to learn more, and follow-up sessions are already scheduled for July.
OUTREACH + SUPPORT: Kogi State
In Kogi State, our outreach extended beyond education into material support.
We distributed:
300 comic books
Notebooks
Pens
School bags
These resources were not only practical but also thematically aligned with the values we promote. The comic books, in particular, sparked engaging conversations and curiosity among the students.
Volunteer Of The Month
Each month, we shine a light on one of our incredible volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference. This month, we're excited to feature Fatima Haruna as our Volunteer of the Month at The Smile Outreach Foundation!
Meet Fatima a young woman with big dreams, many of which center around making the world a better place. Her heart for humanity and passion for helping others led her to join our volunteer team, where she has quickly become a source of inspiration.
Why She Volunteers "I have a passion for helping people and touching the lives of the less privileged," Fatima shared when asked what inspired her to start volunteering. That passion shines through in everything she does at The Smile Outreach.
For Fatima, some of the most meaningful moments have come from empowering young girls. "Changing the life of many young girls out there" is an experience she holds dear and a testament to the impact she makes through her work with us.
A Message to Future Volunteers "Volunteering with The Smile Outreach is the best experience ever. This is the organization I would love to volunteer with in my next life," says Fatima. Her words are a powerful invitation for others to join in and be a part of something truly meaningful.
Beyond Volunteering When she's not volunteering, Fatima runs her own business as a perfume vendor. She also loves to cook and describes herself as an avid chef who enjoys experimenting with new recipes and flavors. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, and photography a creative soul with a heart of gold.
Thank you, Fatima, for your dedication, warmth, and service. You are truly making a difference!
Final Thoughts
June was a testament to the power of sustained engagement, community trust, and the importance of safe learning spaces. From reinforcing important lessons to activating new Bold Spaces and distributing resources, the Smile Outreach Foundation continues to walk alongside adolescents equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make informed choices and build brighter futures.
As we move into July, our focus remains on deepening these connections, expanding our reach, and ensuring no young person is left unheard.
Until next month, keep smiling. 😊
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