When Communities Lead, Change Happens
Highlights from the Youth Resilience Project Workshop
The Youth Resilience Project (YRP), an initiative by Ray's Haven, continues to drive positive change across Kaduna State, Nigeria. As an organization dedicated to supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Ray's Haven focuses on empowerment, inclusion, and community-driven solutions.
Our recent workshop, held last week at the Kaduna State Disability Center, brought together over 50 participants, including village heads, school leaders, community champions, and representatives from PWD communities. This event underscored our commitment to fostering mental well-being, accessible education, and sustainable livelihoods for all, particularly youth with disabilities.
Participants engaging in interactive sessions during the YRP workshop, focusing on empowerment and inclusivity.
Workshop Overview
Held from 13th - 15th October, 2025, the workshop themed "When Communities Lead, Change Happens" provided a platform for open dialogue and collaboration. Attendees explored key themes:
- Mental Well-Being: Discussions on reducing stigma around mental health, especially for PWDs, with sessions on trauma consciousness, resilience-building, and access to community - based support services.
- Education: Strategies for inclusive schooling, including adaptive learning tools and teacher training to accommodate diverse needs.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Practical insights into vocational training, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment programs tailored for youth in rural areas.
The event emphasized participatory approaches, drawing inspiration from successful models like the Kaduna Model for substance abuse and mental health reform.
Youth participants actively contributing to discussions on mental health and education.
Key Highlights
- Collaborative Sessions: Village heads shared traditional knowledge on community support systems, while school leaders discussed integrating PWD-friendly curricula. Community champions led breakout groups on sustainable farming and small-scale businesses.
- Outcomes and Commitments: Participants pledged to form local action groups to implement workshop ideas, such as mental health awareness campaigns in schools and livelihood training hubs. Ray's Haven committed to follow-up support, including resources for 20 new youth-led projects.
- Inspirational Stories: Attendees like a young PWD entrepreneur from Chikun Local Government Area shared how resilience training transformed their life, inspiring others to break barriers.
Together, we're not just talking about change; we're making it happen by building bridges for a healthier, more inclusive society.
Gallery
View snapshots from the workshop capturing the energy and engagement of our community.
Watch the Workshop Video
Relive the moments from our empowering sessions. Below is a video highlighting similar community efforts in Kaduna, including the state's health plan launch for PWDs, which aligns with YRP's goals.
