International Youth Day 2025 Commemoration at Dewdrop Institute

“Local Youth Action For The SDGs And Beyond: How Our Youth Are Driving The SDGs”

On August 12, we joined the world in celebrating International Youth Day—not with speeches, but with action.

The Dewdrop Institute (DDI) marked International Youth Day with an inspiring gathering of young staff and alumni, united under one mission — to explore the transformative role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our youth staff and alumni from both the Institute and the Foundation came together in a vibrant, solutions-driven forum that connected our everyday work in the institute through Care, Hospitality, Artisan training, and in the foundation through free skill development, women empowerment, inclusive governance, elder care protection and community to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Opening the session, Ms. Kobi Ikpo, a consultant and Director for Teen Africa, drew clear links between DDI’s mission and key SDGs — Quality Education (4), Gender Equality (5), Decent Work & Economic Growth (8), and Reduced Inequalities (10). She highlighted how each training pathway supports inclusive development and economic empowerment. The event had a huge impact flow, from imagining their DDI skillsets as superpowers to showcasing real alumni driving impact in healthcare, decent work and economic growth, and environmental sustainability, our participants didn’t just talk about change, we made credible commitment. The event also asked hard questions:

• Which SDG matters most to you?
• How can your training center uplift your community in line with the SDGs?
• What one action will you commit to as a youth change agent?

Moderator Ms. Nkemka Nwobu energized the room with a creative challenge: “If your DDI skill were a superpower, how would it solve a real-world problem in Nigeria?” The answers were bold and actionable, as each participant shared a seeds that will grow into impact.

• Mr. John Iweha chose hospitality as his superpower, showing how it combats No Poverty (1) and boosts economic growth through skills, internships, and job placement.
• Mr. Maxwell spotlighted artisanal courses, linking them to Affordable & Clean Energy (7), Industry Innovation (9), and sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Ms. Chidinma focused on caregiving, highlighting its impact on Good Health & Wellbeing (3) and job creation.
• Ms. Martha paired caregiving and hospitality to enhance education and, by extension, other SDGs.
• Mrs. Juliana championed No Poverty as the most critical SDG, calling it the foundation for solving other global challenges.
• Ms. Esther combined caregiving as both a skill and a lifestyle, quoting Jackie Chan: “Sometimes it takes a little act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” She stressed the role of care in sustaining all SDGs.
• Dr. Mrs. Martina Eze reinforced the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, linking it to positive ripple effects across multiple goals.

Furthermore, Ms Nkemka Nwobu, led an interactive poll, where participants chose the SDG most important to them. Responses varied — from Responsible Consumption & Production (Kobi Ikpo) to Decent Work & Economic Growth (Mr Samuel), reflecting diverse community priorities. The event featured touching alumni showcases, presented by Mr. Maxwell and Ms. Christine. Notable among them was an intern’s compassionate care for an elderly cancer patient, underscoring the real-world impact of DDI’s caregiving training. Each participant then contributed a single word describing youth impact, forming a collaborative word cloud, reinforcing their role as agents of change.

The event wasn’t just a celebration; it was a working session filled with bonding time,  reflection, creativity, and commitment. The event concluded with a final not from the executive director of Dewdrop Group, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, addressing the need for unity and tenacity, and she made mention thing: the future of the SDGs in our communities is in the capable hands of skilled, empowered, and committed young people. Dewdrop group looks forward to continually, track and support pledges made during the event, collaborate with partners to implement top youth-driven ideas, continue celebrating alumni successes as part of its youth recognition program.

Happy International Youth Day — and here is to the everyday heroes we’re proud to train, support, and celebrate.