Mastermind Community Foundation equips Lagos students with skills

The Mastermind Community Foundation has initiated a program aimed at equipping students in Lagos public schools with essential emotional and social intelligence skills. This initiative was launched during a one-day workshop at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive Senior High School in Maryland, Lagos.

Vivianne Oghene, President of the Mastermind Community Foundation, explained that the program intends to help students learn to manage their emotions, foster positive relationships, and make better choices in their lives. The workshop, titled ‘Mastering Emotional and Social Intelligence for Holistic Success,’ has already reached five public schools in Lagos, with plans for further expansion.

During the event, facilitators educated students on the importance of emotional and social intelligence. Oghene called on the government, businesses, and individuals to support the initiative, which aims to extend to private schools and other states in Nigeria. She expressed her belief that this program would have a meaningful impact on young people’s lives.

In his remarks, Adeyemi Adebayo, an Education Quality Specialist and former director at the Lagos Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, stressed the necessity of social and emotional intelligence skills for the development of youth. He highlighted the lack of these skills among many Nigerian children, which contributes to issues such as peer pressure, gang involvement, and poor decision-making.

Adebayo emphasized the critical role of parental involvement, stating, ‘Parents should engage in more discussions with their children, as today’s society requires children to understand the consequences of their actions.’

Student participant Obechina Chinaza reflected on the workshop, acknowledging the knowledge gained about emotional management and relationship-building. She noted that these skills are vital for success in both personal and academic life.

The Mastermind Community Foundation’s initiative stands as a crucial step towards empowering the younger generation in Lagos, fostering emotional resilience, and promoting positive social interactions among students.