1. OUR GAME-CHANGER OF THE
MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2015
'Goal-oriented’, ‘focused’, ‘passionate’, ‘team-player’, ‘result-driven’, ‘innovative’, ‘attention to
details’...these are some of the words that best describe YEDI’s Out-of-School Coordinator, Taiwo
Ayenuro. When she joined the YEDI train in February 2014, one major program directly under her
purview was the Skillz Holiday Camp. And with other members of staff of YEDI who always work as a
team, the Skillz Girl Naija, a girl-centered Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education and
HIV/AIDS prevention program for young girls between ages 13 and 19 who are provided a safe
platform to play non-competitive soccer and have vital conversations about HIV/AIDS and develop
critical life management skills for their advancement, was born. Since then, a few other out-of-school
programs and community events have taken place.

2. A typical day for Taiwo is spent largely on hunting for project sites and seeking innovative ways to
mobilise, inspire and empower young people with information to live healthy and risk-free. The
Ambrose Ali University/University of Benin graduate and mother of two is so passionate about
empowering young girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS prevention information
that she has earned a moniker “Grandma”, as she has become a role model and mentor to many a
participant and Peer Educator. With eyes fixed on the target for 2015, the just-concluded Skillz
Holiday Camp saw Taiwo going the extra mile to ensure that over4000 young people received
targeted health messages, keeping them meaningfully engaged during the last long holiday. Under
her watch, the SHC recorded a surfeit of self-reported behavioural change and success stories.
In recognition of her dedication to duty, target-driven work ethics and for upholding the Core Values
(link) of YEDI, we present to you our Game Changer for the month of September 2015. Here’s her
story told in her own words:
My experience at YEDI...
“When I came on board, I met the SHC program and plans were underway for the Skillz Girl. A few
months after, we piloted it and since then we have always been looking for innovative ways to
expand and intensify the curriculum for depth and impact. So, the journey has been a career
development process, and very taxing too. Through the Skillz Girls program, I have been exposed to
real-life situations as regards sexual violence to very young girls. As a mother, I strongly feel that a
much more conscious effort is needed to protect young girls, and forestall a recurrence where there
have been victims. It beats me hollow that young girls are being violated and there seems not to be
enough awareness about it and some parents don’t even believe it’s happening to their own children.
However, I take solace in the fact that an organisation like our and a few others are taking giant
steps in that direction, and I’m able to be of help through counselling, helping them to speak up and
disclose sexual abuse experiences, and referrals as well as follow-up care.”
My challenges, my staying power in spite of the challenges and what drives me...
“One initial challenge was sourcing for sites for out-of-school activities but that is a lot easier now
because of our partnership with relevant authorities and agencies. The major challenge that has
lingered on since I assumed this position is mobilizing participants for our programs, especially for the
Skillz Girl and Skillz Holiday program. Another challenge is meeting targets within timelines. However,

3. I’ve always overcome these challenges through hard work and support from colleagues. This is what
drives me: I have a reputation to protect. I hate to be called incompetent so I give all it takes
to the job at hand. I strive daily to create a marketable product out of whatever is put in
my hands and I can boldly say I have a great passion for excellence.”
“On a personal level, I get really motivated when I see young girls being educated and empowered
with SRH information that leads to positive behavioural change. I’m moved when I play the role of a
role-model – directly or indirectly – to our volunteer coaches and participants. My desire to do more is
buoyed when our programs are recognised by both local and International development agencies
thereby engendering a decision on their part to buy in to YEDI’s programs. I get really excited when
we break into new territories with our out-of-school activities and when through our programs, we
create more visibility for YEDI.”
As a wife and a mother of two, and with the distance, traffic, the hustle and bustle of
Lagos, this is how I grapple with them all to ensure optimum performance of my duties...
“Sometimes, especially during peak periods like the Skillz Holiday Camps, the home suffers a bit in
trying to perform my duties creditably well. But through dint of hard work, less sleep and with the
help of a supportive spouse, I find a way to juggle all of them, prioritizing both domestic and official
duties according to urgency.”
How I handle my relationship with my Master Coaches and Skillz Coaches to ensure a
genial working relationship...
I maintain a “sister-sister” relationship with them. To me, it is ‘work and play’: I’m frugal with
criticism but profuse with praises – I scold them when needed and praise them very well when
deserved.”
What comes to my mind each time the term Game Changer is mentioned...
“Impact. To me, a Game Changer should always leave things and people better than they
met them.”
Epilogue
Featuring the Game Changer of the month is our way of recognising and celebrating the amazing
work our members of staff and volunteers are doing. Each month beginning from October 2015, the
Game Changer of the previous month will be selected, with a full interview and special feature to be
posted on our website and shared on all our social media platforms. Watch out for the Game Changer
of the month of October.