Over 150 children and teenagers in Lagos took bold steps toward shaping their futures at the fourth edition of Dream Big & Reach for the Stars, a youth workshop designed to help them set goals and visualise their future.
The one-day programme, organised by Amani Health Inc., a digital health organisation that bridges the gap in emotional and mental health care support for children, teenagers, and adults, was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference & Exhibition Centre, Lagos.
It also drew families who joined virtually from outside the state. Participants, aged 7 to 17, took part in a Dream Board exercise where they created visual plans for their ambitions. The organisers said the activity was intended to build clarity, confidence and a sense of purpose. By the end of the day, children left with colourful boards and a shared conviction that “my dreams are valid.”
For parents, the impact was immediate and profound. “After last year’s edition, my son turned his wardrobe into a vision wall. This time, he already told me he’s putting his academics right at the top. This programme doesn’t just inspire, it changes lives,” one mother recalled.
Read also: Nigeria ranks 3 in the world with highest detention of under-aged children – Health experts
Another parent testified that her once-shy daughter now demonstrates stronger self-esteem and keeps a daily reminder of her aspirations.
Ayodele Fasuyi, the convener, said the initiative was born out of a desire to restore the habit of dreaming among Nigerian children, many of whom struggle with peer pressure, social media comparisons, and anxiety about the future. “Our goal is to show them that, no matter the noise around them, their dreams remain valid and their future is bright,” she said.
A highlight of the workshop was a storytelling session centred on Tunde Onokoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, whose journey from modest beginnings to international acclaim underscored the power of resilience and focus.
Fasuyi noted that Amani Health had previously partnered with his initiative in 2023, reinforcing the theme of collaboration in youth empowerment.
Corporate sponsors, including Indomie, SunTrust Bank, Rosabon Finance, Pasta n Grills, VDL Technologies, Markov Games AI, AYITI, and Cake Allure, provided refreshments, gifts, and resources. Organisers said this support was crucial to creating a memorable, family-friendly atmosphere.
Now in its fourth year, Dream Big & Reach for the Stars has become a trusted platform for families seeking to nurture children’s growth beyond academics. Parents described it as both inspiring and practical, giving their children clarity about the future while teaching confidence and resilience.
Read also: Report links mental health issues among children to long hour exposure to screen
Building on the momentum, Amani Health announced the second cohort of Excel Beyond the Classroom, a four-month skill-acquisition and mentorship programme designed to help children turn their vision boards into reality. The curriculum includes emotional intelligence, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and project-based learning. By the end of the programme, each child will produce a tangible product, project, or portfolio that moves them closer to their dream.
For many families, the message resonated deeply in that, in an age of distractions and uncertainty, the ability to dream big and take practical steps forward may be one of the most powerful gifts children can receive.
“We want children to move from hope to action. It is not just about dreaming but about equipping them with the tools to make those dreams achievable,” Fasuyi explained.
