Who We are
At Young and Gifted Youth Development Initiative (YaGYDi), we are passionate about creating inclusive platforms for youth across Africa to thrive and transform their lives. We are currently operating physically in Nigeria, virtually across various African countries, and in the UK. Founded on 3rd March 2004, registered as a youth organization under the Kwara State Ministry of Youths in 2009 and under the CAC in 2024, our mission is to empower marginalized youth, particularly in the slums, underserved, marginalized, suburban, and remote rural areas. YAGYDI focuses on transforming life and develop 21st-century skills among individuals aged 15-37 through SDG-related programs.
Our Strategic Approach:
- Mentorship
- SDG Research and Development
- Community Advocacy and Campaign
- Global Citizenship Education and Leadership
- Education for Sustainable Employability and Development (ESED)
Our Research Stats
Our Testimonials
Success Stories
Heartwarming Stories of Transformation and Growth.
“YAGYDI helped me discover my voice. I now lead mental health sessions in my community, something I never thought possible.”
Adeyemo Sarah
Kwara State
“Through YAGYDI’s mentorship, I gained clarity on my career and secured a full scholarship to study education abroad.”
Tunde A
Diaspora Supporter & Fundraiser, London
“Partnering with YAGYDI was seamless. They bring local insight, youth-led energy, and clear execution.”
Dr. A. Rasaq
Academic Partner, University of Ilorin
Get to know more about us
Frequently Asked Questions
24/7 Fastest Support
We’re always here to help you thrive with you as a community.
Is YAGYDI only for Nigerians?
No. We welcome all youth and mentors worldwide.
How can I volunteer remotely?
Please fill out our form of interest, join an onboarding call, and pick a task.
I don’t have a background in Community Impact; can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! While we do look for specialized skills for certain technical projects, we believe everyone has something to offer. We have roles ranging from digital advocacy and event planning to administrative support. We provide all the necessary training for our general outreach programs.
How do I know that my support is making a long-term difference?
We don’t believe in “one-and-done” solutions. Every project we launch includes a 2-year monitoring and evaluation phase.
What percentage of my donation goes directly into programs?
Transparency is one of our core values. We are proud to maintain an 85/15 ratio, meaning 85% of every dollar donated goes directly into our frontline programs and community initiatives. The remaining 15% is used for essential administrative oversight and fundraising efforts that allow us to scale our impact.
How does YAGYDI choose the specific communities or projects it supports
We use a data-driven, “community-first” approach. Before launching any project, we conduct thorough needs assessments and consult with local leaders to ensure our interventions are culturally relevant, sustainable, and address the most urgent challenges identified by the people living there.