At ICCEF, we’re committed to raising a new wave of changemakers, young people who are ready to lead, solve real problems, and drive meaningful impact. Our second Big Brothers and Sisters Mentorship Session, held on April 18th, 2025, via Zoom, focused on just that. The theme: “Becoming a Changemaker: Identifying and Solving Community Issues.”
Leading the session was one of our amazing mentors, Abdulbasith Sijuade Akinyemi-Eshilokun, a public health administrator, community development strategist, and public servant with years of grassroots experience. He broke down what it really means to be a changemaker; not just someone who sees a problem, but someone who’s ready to lead, build solutions, and work with others to create lasting impact.
Abdulbasith shared practical insights on identifying root causes of community issues, emphasizing that surface-level solutions often fail when they don’t reflect the community’s real needs. Sometimes, what looks like a clear fix on the surface misses the deeper cultural or emotional reasons behind community issues. The key, he explained, is asking the right questions, listening well, and involving those directly affected.
Joining the session was ICCEF’s Executive Chair, Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, who brought an added layer of depth with her expertise in social impact work. She highlighted the importance of data in designing effective interventions. From understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods to using surveys and documentation to track progress, her insights provided a solid foundation for strategic problem-solving.
Together, both mentors emphasized the importance of sustainability in community projects. Participants were reminded that true impact doesn’t end with a launch, it’s measured by how well a solution lasts over time. This means community buy-in, ongoing accountability, creative use of available resources, and making people feel like they’re part of the change.
The session was a blend of honest storytelling, expert advice, and practical tools that left attendees feeling empowered and equipped to take action.
The Big Brothers and Sisters Project continues to offer spaces like this, where young leaders learn, connect, and grow. Keep an eye out for future sessions as we keep building momentum toward youth-led, community-driven change.
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