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Build a World Where All Youths Are Skilled, Nurtured & Contributing to a peaceful Society

Who We Are

Partnering to build a world where all children are skilled and trained.

The Bridging Center for Educational Access for Internally Displaced and Barrack Youths was established by Dr. Caroline Obiageli Emeka-Ogbonna with the prestigious Institute of International Education (IIE) Centennial Fellowship Grant for the year 2022-2023. The IIE Centennial Fellowship, an annual program celebrating IIE’s association with the Fulbright Program, focuses on recognizing Fulbright alumni whose work aligns with values of mutual understanding, leadership, global problem-solving, and impact. The 2022-2023 grant aimed at providing equitable access to higher education for refugees and displaced persons.

Dr. Caroline Obiageli Emeka-Ogbonna, a Fulbright Visiting Scholar to Kent State University, Ohio USA in 2021, is one of four successful Centennial Fellows selected globally from Afghanistan, Nepal, Ukraine, and Nigeria. Her vision is to bridge higher education opportunities for young people in internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps, particularly in the Kaduna State of Nigeria.

What We Do

01.

— Empowering Educational Access for Vulnerable Youths

At the Bridging Center, we empower Internally Displaced and Barrack Youths by providing equitable access to higher education. Through our short-term post-secondary program, we offer hands-on training in computer literacy, and digital and artisanry skills, preparing young individuals for entrepreneurship in the modern business environment.

02.

— Facilitating Transformative Learning

We facilitate transformative learning experiences for youths through a comprehensive six-month program. Our curriculum includes one month of computer introduction, three months of combined digital and artisanry skills training, and two months of mentor-led internship and business development, fostering immediate application and progress toward financial independence.

03.

— Building Skills for Socio-Economic Growth

Our focus is on building practical skills that contribute to socio-economic growth. By offering courses in digital and artisanry skills, combined with critical thinking sessions, we prepare our students to become champions of inclusion and peace in society through social justice and industry.

04.

— Addressing Unique Challenges Through Tailored Education

Recognizing the challenges faced by Barrack Youths due to frequent relocations and isolation, we address their unique circumstances. Our programs are designed to overcome obstacles such as the inability to pay for online courses, providing an alternative path to education and empowerment.

05.

— Creating Champions of Inclusion

We aim to create champions of inclusion and peace through our educational initiatives. Our model emphasizes fair-mindedness, inclusion, and social cohesion, fostering a transformative mindset in youths who will contribute positively to society.

06.

— Supporting Government Initiatives

The Bridging Center aligns with government efforts to mitigate security challenges by offering educational support to Internally Displaced and Barrack Youths. We believe that small-scale measures, implemented at lower costs and in shorter periods, have the potential for a multiplier effect in contributing to peaceful coexistence and national development.

Impact Stories

SALEH EMMANUEL YEMIDA

I am Saleh Emmanuel Yemida, Graphics and Fashion Designer. Firstly, I will thank God for the life of everyone in this platform, I am very grateful to be part of the training. In all honesty the training has helped my life and people around me with the experience and knowledge. I can now design things like birthday cards, wedding cards, type very well and so many others. As a Fashion designer, I can sew both traditional and English wares. I thank you all that support this foundation. I wouldn’t have been where I am today. I try everything I leant and they have been doing me good and I will like to share this to all my fellow students: please don’t give up; don’t be distracted; be consistent in all you are doing; if you miss it try it again. Thank you Mummy (Asso. Prof. Caroline Emeka-Ogbonna), Mr. Ukwuoma (the coordinator), Mr. Daniel (Fashion Design instructor). Thank you everyone who was part of this beautiful foundation, God bless you all.

IBRAHIM MADAMI PHILEMON

I want to appreciate IIE for the privilege to benefit from this grant. I am very excited to be in this place and to be part of the beneficiaries of this grant. In have learnt a lot and we are still learning a lot. There are so many things that we did not have any knowledge about, basically in the computer, and also in the skills that we are hoping to attain. I am very excited we can use the computer to perform several functions. I want to say a big thank you for this opportunity and also thanking our mummy (Asso. Prof. Caroline Emeka-Ogbonna) through whom this grant got to us.