The Lagos residents of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Nigeria Cohort 1 visited the Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun. The visit was intended to give the boys training in specialised areas, provide academic and welfare supplies and inspire them.

I was given the opportunity to provide some aspects of the Train Them Young Initiative (#2TYI) for them. The boys were taught the basics of fire safety, personal safety and road safety. The boys were very intelligent and disciplined. The kind of questions they asked showed an understanding of what they were learning. They also got the chance to thrill us with their talent. They are an amazing lot. Contrary to perception, not all of them are there for wrongdoing. Some are there whilst waiting for the Courts to decide custody between parents or parental decision because of their stubborness and others were rescued from the streets.

Due to the laws at the facility, we couldn’t take pictures with the faces of the kids but back view was allowed. The boys have diverse areas of interest. Some want to be musicians, pilots, engineers and there are a few who can code. Amazing right? We can help the society by helping to keep hope alive for these boys. You could contribute in cash, welfare or academic supplies or better still based on your expertise, mentor them on your career path. Practical lessons are very valuable. Let us work together to help these boys achieve their dreams. Remember, they are going to be re-introduced into the wider society. Do we want wiz kids ready to make impact or do we want societal menace?