Moments That Matter: Seeds of Impact, Hope, and a Call to Action

This past week was a whirlwind of emotions and reflections as I traveled to Abuja? to celebrate the marriage of my friend and co-founder to her heartthrob, and I also spent the Christmas celebration with my parents and siblings.

Amid the festive cheer and bonding, four significant moments stood out, each leaving a deep impression on my heart

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The day after I arrived in Abuja,? my phone rang and it was a call from an unknown number, and I quickly answered.

“Hello, is this Mrs. Anne?”

“Yes, this is Anne. How can I help you?” I replied.

What followed was a heartwarming revelation. The caller, a high school student, had just read "Beyond the Classroom", a book I co-authored in 2019.?

He reached the section encouraging mentorship and decided to call. As we chatted, I learned his name, class, and school, and it warmed my heart to see how the book was still touching lives.

?His feedback reignited my passion to see the book reach even more schools despite the challenges we faced this year with integrating it into traditional curriculums. (story for another day??)

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Christmas Day brought its own surprise. After feeling under the weather and visiting the clinic, on my way back, I took a quiet walk with my sister.?

A group of young boys greeted me warmly, “Auntie MacAnne, good evening ma!”

I recognized them immediately—they were early participants of Teens Connect Africa from my community. Though it had been a few months since our last interaction, they shared their stories with pride.?

One was now in polytechnic, another was working with an Indian company as a mechanic, and a young lady among them had become a hairdresser.

Their resilience and determination filled me with joy. Despite challenges, they had chosen productive paths over the social vices that often entrap others in similar circumstances. It was a beautiful reminder of the seeds we’ve sown and how they’re bearing fruit.

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Before leaving the community, I made time to reconnect with some teenagers I hadn’t seen in months after relocating to Lagos. With just two days' notice, we convened a meeting where over 17 teens showed up.

The session was filled with questions, stories, and shared wisdom.?

I encouraged them to stay committed to their growth and purpose. Seeing their eagerness to learn and grow reminded me of the profound influence we’ve been blessed to have on their lives.

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The most touching moment came when one of our members who had been unable to sit for WAEC this year due to financial constraints through the support of one of our partners, had her fees not only paid in full, but there’s also a promise to fund her JAMB exam and potentially secure her a university scholarship.

This act of kindness reaffirmed why we do what we do. Even in the face of overwhelming challenges, every small victory reminds me that the work we do matters deeply.

Call to Action

As I reflect on these moments, I’m reminded of the urgency of investing in the next generation.?

Teenagers are in their formative years—malleable, curious, and full of potential. If we can guide them now, we can create a future where they thrive.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Sponsor Copies of Beyond the Classroom: Help us get this book into more schools, libraries, and communities. Though not tied to a traditional subject, its life lessons are invaluable for today’s teenagers.
2. Support Teens Connect Africa Initiatives: Your contributions can fund mentorship programs, skill acquisition workshops, and scholarships for teenagers in underserved communities.

Whether it’s sponsoring a book like "Beyond the Classroom" for a school, mentoring a teenager, or supporting initiatives that shape their paths, your contribution matters.?

Together, we can rewrite the narrative for the next generation. Let’s equip teenagers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. Join us in shaping a future where every teenager has the opportunity to live a purpose-driven life.

The journey is long, but every small step makes a difference. Are you ready to take that step with us?

Thank you for believing in the power of change. Let’s do this—together.