#Impact365: This NGO helps youths find direction beyond formal education

Young people are vulnerable, especially in societies where they hardly get any attention and have been saddled with the task of building themselves all by themselves.
Established in 2004, the Youth Rescue and Care Initiative, located in Oregun, Lagos provides empowerment and enlightenment programmes to students and youths in general, helping them develop skills, morals and self awareness.
Mrs Bisilola Asenuga is the founder of YORCI and in this interview with YNaija’s Impact365, she takes us through the essence of their work.
Can you tell us about your NGO, Youth Rescue and Care Initiative?
YORCI is an NGO established to raise morally conscious, purpose driven and economically vibrant global leaders anchored on the core principles of self-discovery, self-development and the act of solving needs.
What inspired the decision to set up an NGO that targets young people?
There was no major occurrence that led to the establishment of our NGO. It was rather a result of inborn passion right from my primary school days when I gathered a whole lot of junior pupils to tutor them in academics even without their parents enrolling them, coupled with the fact I became dissatisfied seeing many youths living without any sense of direction for life.
What special projects have you embarked on so far?
There are diverse of successful projects we have embarked on but we have four major projects we run with year in and out which are:
  • Rescue the Scholars –An annual free holiday lesson / skill empowerment program aimed at helping SS1-3 students achieve better performance in their academics & acquire vocational skills. Some of the subjects/vocations taught include English language, Writing / Public Speaking, Drama. We ensure ‘success & measure impact’ of the program through’’ weekly tests, final examination and prize giving day ‘ to honour outstanding students. The last edition was held in August at two centers (Oshodi and Lekki)
  • Know yourself and excel- A self-discovery program involving personality /career inventory testing to discover individual behavioural type and career choice and link them to a synergy / mentoring program in order to help them acquire better skills.
  • Better Me- A technical/soft skills mentoring program aimed at helping artisans especially from trade associations fulfill their social and economic potentials, making them drivers of economic and social change in the society through tailored human capacity training, mentorship programs and ICT skills.
  • My Goal My Life- A goal setting/planning individualistic workshop which is carried out in schools, church or any youth forum .With the aid of a tailored goal setting worksheet, presentation and video clips , youths are exposed to the rudiments, planning and  means of achieving their life goals and vision.

Has the government been helpful in this journey?

Of a truth, the government has been supporting at least by releasing schools for use during the summer programme (Rescue the scholars).

How can you rate your success so far?
If we are to measure that through impacts and goals, I will say we are successful. 12 years down the lane, we have been able to directly impact over 10,000 lives across the nation. 
Any challenges?
Our major challenge is the high rate of youths who prefers short cuts to wealth and success to knowledge which is widely known to be power. Secondly, I will say corporate organizations are not doing enough in supporting the good deeds of NGOs, rather, they collaborate more with the entertainment industry and the likes.
We seek individuals and or group of donors/volunteers to assist in helping more destinies across the nation. Our website is always available for people to see some of our projects over the years and indicate any area of interest.

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