Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria recognizes the pressing issue of joblessness and its profound societal implications, particularly among young people. Our organization has taken a proactive stance to tackle this challenge by focusing on youth empowerment and development.
We understand that historical patterns of development have contributed to negative consequences within our communities. To rectify this, MEDAN's activities are strategically aligned with the objective of reversing these adverse effects.
In Nigeria, urbanization rates stand at an impressive 5.3%, placing it among the highest globally. However, the industrial sector's stagnation has led to a dearth of employment opportunities for the burgeoning urban population. Alarming unemployment rates hover around 10.8%. In response, MEDAN is resolutely committed to enhancing economic empowerment. We prioritize equipping young individuals with the skills required for contemporary workplaces while concurrently fostering holistic rural development.
MEDAN is deeply committed to achieving full integration and participation of women across all aspects of society. Recognizing the critical need to enhance women's capacity to engage in economic, social, political, and cultural spheres, our organization spearheads transformative initiatives.
Central to this is the establishment of free skill acquisition centers within local communities. These centers serve as focal points for intensive training tailored to uplift marginalized women. The core objective is not only to empower these women with practical skills but also to facilitate their seamless transition into productive economic activities.
MEDAN goes the extra mile by mobilizing both youth and women to partake in these initiatives. Additionally, we ensure that each participant receives a starter pack, enabling them to immediately apply their newly acquired skills and generate a sustainable income upon program completion.
The persistent socio-economic instability prevailing within the country has prompted MEDAN to introduce a transformative approach – Youth Social Entrepreneurship. This innovative framework empowers young individuals to not only achieve self-sufficiency but also to become agents of positive change within their communities.
TRAINING: Youth are equipped with essential skills, including management, leadership, and economics. Training occurs in small groups, fostering rich discussions, trainee involvement, and the exploration of diverse social issues and problem-solving approaches.
NETWORKING: MEDAN ensures that young entrepreneurs are connected to a dynamic network of peers and mentors. This ecosystem of support facilitates the exchange of ideas, strategies, successes, and lessons learned. It also cultivates values of tolerance and respect for diverse backgrounds.
MENTORSHIP: A community of seasoned social entrepreneurs voluntarily mentors the youth. These mentors provide invaluable guidance and expertise in an informal and collaborative setting.
RESOURCES: MEDAN offers comprehensive resources, including sustainable business guidance and financial planning, along with effective fundraising methodologies.
REFLECTION: Through regular large group meetings, MEDAN maintains active engagement with its youth social entrepreneurs. These sessions serve as platforms for feedback, project updates, and collaborative planning for continued progress.
MEDAN's impactful health-related initiatives focus on HIV/AIDS and STD counseling, as well as malaria prevention. The organization plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about these health challenges within the general population.
Our overarching goal is to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, ensure equitable care and support for affected individuals, and ultimately mitigate its impact until it no longer poses significant public health, social, or economic concerns.
MEDAN's involvement with the Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN) demonstrates our dedication to reducing the burden of cervical cancer. This engagement, initiated through the Clinton Health Access Initiative,strives to bring cervical cancer-related mortality and morbidity to a resounding zero
MEDAN is a resolute advocate for peace building and conflict resolution, focusing on the most vulnerable segments of society, especially women and youth. Our initiatives span various aspects of conflict management, addressing both root causes and immediate triggers.
The organization employs a multifaceted approach to conflict prevention:
Tense Situation Monitoring: MEDAN actively monitors potentially volatile situations and intervenes before violence erupts. This proactive stance enables the organization to stabilize potential conflicts and address underlying issues.
Sensitization and Social Mobilization: Through various channels, including community dialogues, rallies, drama, and media, MEDAN sensitizes and mobilizes communities toward electoral violence prevention.
Partnerships and Networks: Strategic collaborations with NGOs and community-based organizations bolster MEDAN's efforts, creating a united front against conflict.
Direct Intervention and Empowerment: By providing skill acquisition and empowerment opportunities, MEDAN actively contributes to the post-conflict stability and development of communities.
In conclusion, the Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria (MEDAN) stands as a beacon of positive change, tirelessly working to uplift individuals, communities, and society as a whole across multiple fronts. Through innovative empowerment initiatives, health advocacy, education, and peace building efforts, MEDAN is making a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.
MEDAN is actively engaged in the education sector, holding the esteemed position of deputy state coordinator of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
This coalition unites civil society organizations working collaboratively on education-related issues. Notably, MEDAN conducted third-party monitoring to verify and validate the disbursement of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) fund across public schools in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna state.