A career guidance intervention that helped a 16-year-old student discover and pursue his true ambition has become the driving force behind the growing impact of the Dews and Aire Career Guidance Foundation as it marks its second anniversary.
The Foundation said its mission was inspired by the experiences of many Nigerian students who make life-changing career decisions without adequate guidance, mentorship or access to reliable information.
One such student, Emmanuel, recounted during a career guidance session that his future had already been determined by others after a family pastor reportedly told his mother that he was destined to become a pilot. Although the decision had been accepted on his behalf, Emmanuel later revealed that his own dream was to become a lawyer.
The Foundation noted that Emmanuel’s story reflects the reality of thousands of young Nigerians who complete secondary school without proper career counselling, leaving many to pursue careers that do not align with their interests, talents or abilities.
According to the organisation, this challenge led to its establishment two years ago with the objective of ensuring that every young person, irrespective of background, has access to quality career guidance, practical skills and mentorship needed to make informed decisions about their future.Since its inception, the Foundation has conducted career guidance programmes in government secondary schools across Lagos State’s Education Districts I, II, III, IV, V and VI. Through career talks, mentoring sessions, educational support, leadership development initiatives and career counselling, it has reached more than 500 students in over 55 public secondary schools.
The foundation said its programmes have helped students discover their strengths, explore career opportunities, understand subject combinations required for different professions, and appreciate the importance of digital skills, entrepreneurship and leadership. Teachers and school administrators have also reported improvements in students’ motivation, confidence and commitment to their academic and career goals.
It added that its growing impact has been strengthened through strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Nigeria Bottling Company, aimed at creating more opportunities for young people. As part of plans for its third year, the Foundation announced an expansion of its programmes beyond secondary schools to include graduates, job seekers, young professionals and out-of-school youths across Nigeria.
The expanded initiatives will cover career guidance and counselling, digital literacy and skills training, entrepreneurship and small business development, CV and résumé writing, interview preparation, workplace readiness, leadership development, youth empowerment, online learning and continuous professional development.
The Foundation also disclosed that it is developing an online learning platform that will provide career guidance resources, assessment tools, online courses, entrepreneurship training, quizzes, certificates and professional development programmes to make career education accessible to young people across the country.
Reflecting on the foundation’s journey, the founder said: ‘Our mission is to inspire, equip and empower every young person to discover their purpose and build a successful future. During the past two years, we have seen students become more confident simply because someone believed in them and showed them what was possible. Career guidance is more than choosing a profession; it is about helping young people discover their potential and giving them the tools to succeed. As we expand our programmes across Nigeria, we remain committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.’
The foundation also called on government agencies, educational institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and community leaders to partner in expanding access to career guidance and youth development initiatives.
According to the organisation, its success is measured not only by the number of schools visited or students reached but by the lives transformed, expressing confidence that empowering young people with knowledge, skills and opportunities would contribute to building stronger communities and a more prosperous Nigeria.