May 2, 2024

Leading the charge for educational reform in northern Nigeria - Muhammad's Changemaker Journey

Muhammad Usman is a young changemaker from Kano State, Nigeria. He is determined to provide vulnerable orphans and Almajirai children with a platform to realize their potential and lead full, independent lives. His groundbreaking initiative, Young Developer Foundation, has helped to empower boys and girls in his community and the surrounding areas to build the confidence and skills to change their lives for the better.

Changemaker Journey

Almajirai are children — typically between the ages of 5 and 14 — enrolled in non-formal institutions referred to as “Tsangaya”: Qur’anic schools that teach an Islamic system of education. These children are often from the most underserved rural areas in northern Nigeria, and face daunting challenges ranging from food insecurity to a lack of parental care and limited access to quality education.

Born and raised in a community home to some of the region's most disadvantaged boys and girls — the vast majority being orphans and Almajirai children — Muhammad decided to take the initiative and call attention to the pervading issues that affect the young people and families around him.

He launched Young Developer Foundation to champion educational reform and empower Almajirai children to fulfil their dreams.

I want to make sure that every less-fortunate child — ranging from orphans to Almajirai children — has seamless access to quality education and learning and development opportunities.” - Muhammad Usman

Young Developer Foundation

An indigenous non-profit organization focused on helping less-privileged children, Young Developer Foundation is committed to reshaping outdated school systems and guiding out-of-school and Almajirai youth to success.

The organziation works closely with strategic partners to host learning and development workshops and provide education and skills acquisition sponsorships. It takes a bottom-up approach to equipping children in need with the vocational skills to thrive and embark on lasting careers.

As part of this mission, the initiative also tackles the issue of food insecurity, combating malnutrition through school and community feeding programs. Young Developer Foundation aims to collaborate with more stakeholders, government agencies, and civil society organizations committed to ensuring less fortunate children build a better, brighter future.

An Everyone a Changemaker World

As the issues we face grow more complex, Muhammad is keen to underline the value of objective analysis and evaluation. He stresses that they are key to unlocking the potential of disadvantaged and underserved communities around the world.

“Today, more so than ever,” he says, “critical thinking is so important. You need to be able to think deeply and analytically in order to bring about real, holistic change.”

Everyone has a role to play in making an impact.” - Muhammad Usman