On February 19, 2024, the inaugural edition of the “Score Your Sustainable Development Goals” (SYSDGs) Project took place at Ritman University, bringing together students and key stakeholders to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in a dynamic and engaging way.
A Collaborative Effort
This groundbreaking project was a joint initiative of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association Nigeria (MWFAAN), Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Stand Out For Environment Restoration (SOFER) Initiative, and The Brook Church. It aimed to raise awareness about the UN-SDGs and empower young leaders to take an active role in driving sustainable development.
Engaging and Interactive Sessions
The event kicked off with 27 enthusiastic participants, including 23 students from Ritman University, one university official, and representatives from MWFAAN and SOFER Initiative. Through a series of interactive workshop sessions and a fun 10-minute football game, participants learned about the 2030 SDGs and the impactful roles of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and YALI.
Establishing the SYSDG School Club
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the SYSDG School Club at Ritman University. This club, dedicated to promoting and supporting the SDGs, welcomed the 23 student participants as its founding members. The club will serve as a platform for continuous learning and action towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps
- Mentorship Program: To support the growth and initiatives of the SYSDG School Club, a mentorship program will be established. This program will guide club members in initiating, planning, and executing projects that align with the SDGs.
- Expanding Reach Through Social Media: To maintain engagement and build a broader community, a WhatsApp group has been created for ongoing discussions. Additionally, the SYSDG Club will soon launch its social media presence on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Acknowledgements
We are immensely grateful to the leadership of MWFAAN for their unwavering support and sponsorship of this project. Special thanks to *Farida Yahya, the National President of MWFAAN, and **Lord Bell-Gam, the Zonal Coordinator, for their invaluable contributions. We also extend our sincere thanks to **Barrister Uyi Effiom, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, who played a crucial role in coordinating the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Additionally, we are thankful to the leadership of Ritman University, especially Vice-Chancellor *Prof. Celestine Ntuen, for hosting us and making this event a success.
The “Score Your Sustainable Development Goals” Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and youth engagement in shaping a sustainable future. By equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to take action, we are building a brighter, more sustainable world for all. Stay tuned for more updates and follow our journey as we work towards achieving the UN SDGs!
