Projects

Wake Up Nasarawa Project

Overview

Wake Up Nasarawa is a groundbreaking initiative by Mission4Impact aimed at addressing voter apathy and enhancing youth participation in democratic processes in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The project is part of the broader “Sixty Percent of Us” initiative by YIAGA Africa, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It emphasizes the power of youth, envisioning a future where 60% of young voters can decisively influence Nigeria’s governance. Through targeted voter education, town hall meetings, and community engagement, Wake Up Nasarawa empowers young people to take an active role in governance, hold leaders accountable, and drive sustainable development through collective action.

The Problem

In Nasarawa State, voter apathy has been a persistent challenge, with low turnout rates recorded in both local and national elections. Prior to the project, only 21% of eligible youth in the region actively engaged in voting or civic activities. Contributing factors include:

  • Lack of Civic Education: Many young people are unaware of their civic rights and responsibilities.
  • Disillusionment with Governance: Broken promises and unfulfilled political commitments have eroded trust in leadership.
  • Systemic Barriers: Women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized groups face additional challenges, such as cultural and infrastructural constraints, limiting their participation.

Our Approach

Wake Up Nasarawa tackled these challenges through targeted interventions, including:

  1. Voter Education Campaigns: Educated youth on the importance of voting and their role in shaping governance.
  2. Town Hall Meetings: Organized community forums to foster meaningful conversations between citizens and local officials, promoting accountability and transparency.
  3. Voter Registration Drives: Mobilized over 3,000 first-time voters to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
  4. Awareness Campaigns: Leveraged social media and community outreach to spread the message of active citizenship.

Impact

The Wake Up Nasarawa project has significantly shifted the narrative around youth engagement in governance:

  • 35% Increase in Youth Participation: The initiative increased youth involvement in civic activities, including voter registration and town hall meetings, up from 21% to 35%.
  • Strengthened Communities: Fostered collaboration between citizens, traditional leaders, and local government officials to address shared challenges.
  • Increased Awareness: The project’s social media campaigns reached thousands of young people, amplifying the message of active citizenship.

Funders and Partners

Wake Up Nasarawa was made possible through the support of:

  • YIAGA Africa: Funded the project under its “Sixty Percent of Us” initiative.
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Provided funding and strategic backing for the initiative.

Recognition

Wake Up Nasarawa was a grant won by Imran Ujih, Co-founder of Mission4Impact, under the Power of 18 Challenge. This challenge is a component of the “Sixty Percent of Us” project by YIAGA Africa, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project underscores the importance of youth-driven solutions for fostering democracy and governance in Nigeria.

Why It Matters

Wake Up Nasarawa is more than just a voter mobilization project; it is a movement that empowers young people to shape the future of their communities. By addressing voter apathy and fostering accountability, the initiative lays the foundation for inclusive governance and sustainable development in Nasarawa State.

Active Citizenship and Leadership Development Project

Overview

The Active Citizenship and Leadership Development Project, spearheaded by Mission4Impact, aims to empower young people and community-based organizations (CBOs) to become proactive leaders and active participants in civic processes. This initiative is designed to nurture responsible, skilled, and visionary individuals who can drive positive change within their communities while strengthening democratic practices in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

The Problem

Youth disengagement and lack of leadership capacity remain significant challenges in Nasarawa State. Among the issues identified are:

  • Limited Civic Knowledge: Many young people lack awareness of their roles and responsibilities as active citizens.
  • Inadequate Leadership Skills: Few platforms exist to equip youth and CBOs with the necessary skills to lead effectively.
  • Disconnected Communities: Insufficient mentorship opportunities and exposure to exemplary leadership hinder the growth of potential change-makers.

Our Approach

The project encompasses two major areas: Leadership and Civic Participation and Mentorship.

Leadership and Civic Participation

This component focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed for active engagement in civic life and leadership roles. Key activities included:

  1. Workshops: Comprehensive training sessions covering civic rights, leadership principles, and governance.
  2. Group Activities and Simulations: Practical exercises designed to enhance problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
  3. Panel Sessions: Interactive discussions with notable personalities, providing insights into real-world leadership challenges and opportunities.
  4. Tests and Assessments: Pre- and post-training evaluations to measure knowledge acquisition and growth.

Mentorship

This component fosters personal and professional growth through targeted experiences and engagement with role models. Activities included:

  1. Tour of the Shehu Yar’adua Center: An inspiring visit to a landmark dedicated to leadership and civic responsibility.
  2. Film Show: A curated screening aimed at sparking discussions on leadership and social change.
  3. Fireside Chat: Intimate, impactful conversations with youth leaders who shared their journeys, challenges, and successes.

Impact

The Active Citizenship and Leadership Development Project has achieved remarkable outcomes:

  • Enhanced Leadership Capacity: Participants gained practical skills and confidence to take on leadership roles within their communities.
  • Strengthened Civic Participation: Increased understanding and engagement in civic responsibilities among youth and CBOs.
  • Fostered Mentorship Relationships: The mentorship component created lasting connections between participants and accomplished leaders, inspiring continued growth and learning.

Funders and Partners

The project was funded by:

  • MacArthur Foundation
  • Ford Foundation through LEAP Africa

Why It Matters

The Active Citizenship and Leadership Development Project is more than a training initiative; it is a transformative journey that equips youth and CBOs with the tools to lead and actively participate in governance. By fostering leadership and mentorship, the project empowers communities to build a more inclusive, accountable, and democratic society.

YouthGovTracka Project

Overview

The YouthGovTracka Project is an initiative of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, implemented by Mission4Impact, with funding support from the European Union. This project focuses on promoting youth engagement in governance by providing a platform to track and assess government projects, policies, and accountability in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

The Problem

In many communities across Nasarawa State, youth involvement in governance and policy-making remains minimal due to:

  • Lack of Access to Information: Limited awareness of ongoing government projects and policies.
  • Weak Accountability Mechanisms: Absence of reliable platforms to hold public officials accountable.
  • Youth Disengagement: Apathy and lack of interest in governance among young people.

Our Approach

YouthGovTracka employs a participatory approach to bridge the gap between government and the youth through:

  1. Capacity Building Workshops: Training sessions for young people on governance, project monitoring, and the use of digital tools for accountability.
  2. Community Assessments: Engaging youths to evaluate government projects and report findings to relevant authorities.
  3. Town Hall Meetings: Creating forums where young people and government representatives discuss issues, share feedback, and collaborate on solutions.
  4. Digital Platforms: Utilizing technology to document and disseminate findings, ensuring transparency and broader reach.

Impact

The YouthGovTracka Project has recorded significant outcomes, including:

  • Increased Youth Participation: Empowered young people actively involved in tracking and reporting on government projects.
  • Enhanced Accountability: Improved transparency as public officials respond to findings and feedback from community assessments.
  • Stronger Civic Engagement: Strengthened relationships between the government and youth, fostering trust and collaboration.

Funders and Partners

This project is funded by the European Union and initiated by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative. Mission4Impact proudly serves as the implementing partner, working tirelessly to ensure the project’s success.

Why It Matters

YouthGovTracka is a vital tool for fostering accountability and inclusiveness in governance. By equipping young people with the skills and platforms to track government actions, this project ensures that the voices of the youth are heard, driving impactful changes and building a more transparent and democratic society.