Our History
Brief History of the Organization
Exemplary Youth and Teens Development Initiative was founded in response to the growing challenges faced by young people rising drug and substance misuse, period poverty, school dropouts, gender-based violence, early exposure to crime and gang life, and lack of access to basic opportunities and mentorship.
This began as a small effort to counsel and mentor a few young people and has since quickly grown into a structured initiative, visiting schools, holding community outreaches, organizing empowerment programs and distributing free sanitary pads.
Today, with the support of volunteers, partners and well-wishers, we are a platform where youths are listened to, guided, empowered and celebrated.
1
The Beginning
Started as a small effort to counsel and mentor a few young people, born from a personal burden to stand by youths facing real struggles.
2
School Visits
Began visiting secondary schools and tertiary institutions, creating awareness on drug abuse, violence, peer pressure and the importance of education.
3
Community Outreach
Expanded to community outreaches, empowerment programs and distributing free sanitary pads to girls who could not afford them.
4
Structured Initiative
With growing support from volunteers, partners and well-wishers, formally became a structured non-profit organization.
5
Today
A recognized platform where youths are listened to, guided, empowered and celebrated as they transform into responsible, confident and exemplary young adults.
Our Vision
To see a growing generation of morally upright, educated, skilled and empowered young people who are free from drug and substance abuse, violence and negative peer pressure, and who serve as exemplary leaders in their communities.
Our Mission
To support, develop and empower youths and teenagers through value-based education, sensitization, mentorship and skills acquisition programs, helping them have quality of life, become the best versions of themselves and positive role models to others.
The Inspiration
Why Exemplary Youth Exists
Young people dropping out of school due to poverty or negative influence. Teenagers trapped in drug and alcohol misuse. Young girls missing school because they cannot afford sanitary pads. Youths growing up without mentors or safe spaces to talk.
Seeing the wasted potential and pain in the lives of these young people stirred a deep conviction to act. Rather than watch from a distance, we chose to step in, to create awareness, provide support and offer practical alternatives. That passion to see youths restored, guided and empowered is what birthed this organization.
Goals & Core Values
Our Goals
1
To reduce drug and substance misuse among youths and teenagers through continuous sensitization and support.
2
To promote access to education and skills training, especially for vulnerable and underserved young people.
3
To empower young people to make informed, responsible sexual and reproductive health choices and prevent STIs.
4
To raise morally grounded, responsible and exemplary youths who can resist negative peer pressure.
5
To support and protect young girls from gender-based violence, abuse and period poverty.
6
To provide avenues for skills acquisition that lead to self-reliance, entrepreneurship and employment.
7
To build a strong network of mentors, volunteers and partners committed to youth development.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We uphold honesty, transparency and accountability in all our programs and relationships.
Compassion
We are driven by love, empathy and genuine concern for the wellbeing of every young person.
Excellence
We strive to deliver high-quality, impactful programs that truly change lives.
Respect
We treat young people with dignity and high esteem regardless of their background, challenges or choices.
Service
We put the needs of young people first and are committed to serving our communities selflessly.
Empowerment
We believe that with the right guidance and opportunities, every young person can rise and thrive.
Founder’s Message
A Message from Our Founder
Dear Friends, Young people and Partners,
“Every youth is a gift to the world. They possess greatness, talents and potentials that require support, teachings, sensitization, nurturing and empowerment to be discovered.
Exemplary Youth and Teens Development Initiative was born from a burden in my heart to stand by these young people, one person a time, to tell them: You are not alone. Your life matters, we see you, we are here for you, we listen and You can rise above your circumstances.
My dream is to see thousands of young people become morally upright, confident, skilled and exemplary. I believe that with volunteers, partners and friends like you, we can change stories, restore dreams, bring hope to the underserved, build a better future through our youths and make the world a better place one step a time. Thank you for believing in this vision.”
Modupe Oluwatayo
Founder, Exemplary Youth and Teens Development Initiative
Testimonials
Lives Changed, Dreams Restored
“Before I met Exemplary Youth and Teens Development Initiative, I was already experimenting with drugs because of my friends. After their talk in my school and the counselling I received, I decided to stop and focus on my education. Today, I am back on track and preparing for my exams.”
Anonymous
“As a girl from a low-income background, I used to miss school during my period because I had no pads, and was ashamed to have my uniform stained. The free pads and education on menstrual hygiene they gave us changed my life and my confidence.” Now I have pad donated to last me for the year.
Blessing
I have been out of school and joining gangs but through their free skills acquisition program, I was offered an apprenticeship program, been enrolled and training to become a Iron fabricator/Welder. Now I am engaged.
Michael
Every Act Is a Seed of Hope
We invite you to explore our work, support us, partner with us — and together we can
help more young people become exceptional, empowered and exemplary.