Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN) Initiative
The Development of Educational Action Network (DEAN) envisions a world where empowered youth lead transformative action to address critical local and global challenges through innovative technologies and impactful reforms.
Founded in 2010 and officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2015, DEAN is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-partisan organisation committed to creating sustainable impact through youth-driven solutions. We collaborate with both state and non-state actors to build a future where young and vulnerable people are at the forefront of development and change.
Why We Are Driven By YOUTH Power
Youths are the heartbeat of innovation and transformation. At DEAN Initiative, we invest in young people by equipping them with training, resources, and opportunities to lead change. Their leadership drives the impact we envision in governance, education, climate action, and democracy.
Key Projects
Special Intervention Projects
Emergency Response
Rapid deployment of resources to crisis zones, providing immediate relief to those affected by disasters and emergencies.
Sustainable Development
Long-term programs designed to build community resilience, infrastructure, and create lasting positive change.
A Decade of Impact
From classrooms to communities, polling booths to policy tables, DEAN Initiative has reached thousands across Nigeria.
🎓Education
- 📚Built capacity of 5,000+ Youth Educators and 300 Hygiene Educators = improved civic awareness and life skills in 500+ schools across Nigeria
- 🌱Empowered 150 Climate Educators driving environmental literacy and sustainability initiatives in schools and communities
🏛️Governance
- 📊Enabled 30+ communities to actively track national budgets = greater accountability and improved civic engagement in local governance
- 🏛️Strengthened open governance practices across all 6 FCT Area Councils = increased transparency and citizen participation in decision-making
🗳️Democracy
- 🗳️Empowered and Deployed 3,000+ youth as election observers nationwide = Young Nigerians are active participants in the democratic process
- 📣Activated 200+ youth advocates, driving voter education = increasing voter turnout to 94% in the FCT
🌍Climate Action
- 🌱Empowered 150 Climate Educators driving environmental literacy and sustainability initiatives in schools and communities
- 🌍Building 20 climate fellows' capacity to lead justice-focused environmental projects
Our Purpose
Our Vision
We envision a world where empowered youth lead transformative change to achieve inclusive, sustainable, and participatory societies for all.
Our Mission
To drive impactful youth-led actions using 21st-century tools that foster innovation, collaboration, and participatory development.
Our Core Values: You-RISE
Youthful
Embracing the energy and creativity of young people
Resilience
Overcoming challenges for lasting impact
Integrity
Upholding trust and transparency in all we do
Sustainability
Creating long-term, future-ready solutions
Equity & Inclusion
Ensuring fair, respectful, and diverse participation
Our Team
Our dedicated team brings diverse expertise and passion to drive positive change in education and climate action
Semiye Michael
Executive Director
Ngozi Edum
Partnership and Innovation Manager
Doreen Mennom Oho
Grants & Resource Management Associate
Blessing C. Agu
Strategy and Research Lead / Office Manager
Our Development Partners
We collaborate with leading organizations that share our vision for sustainable development and social impact
