Community Innovation Hub

Who we are

We are an ambitious social enterprise that empowers young people using alternative learning model such as entrepreneurship and innovation to become transformational leaders and problem solvers.

We do this by setting up community innovation hubs to train, empower and harness the skills of young people (preteens and teenagers), providing them with entrepreneurship skills and the opportunity to become a key player in society.

 Mission

To provide holistic education, leadership incubation and STEM education to teenagers and young people making them transformational leaders and problem solvers.

Our Thematic Areas

Entrepreneurship:

We are committed to providing cutting training to birth new ideas and create an ecosystem of SMEs  within communities

Leadership:

We believe in leading the way, challenging convention and breaking new ground.

Social Innovation:

We are innovative and progressive with an entrepreneurial spirit; we think creatively about new ways to do things, so as to raise social innovators across schools and communities

Digital Literacy:

We are creating a new pathway that will bridge the digital divide that limits the growth of young people.

STEM education:

Providing holistic STEM education for young people to raise stem enthusiasts across schools and communities and giving opportunity to more girls to embrace and pursue STEM careers.

SDG Goals:

We are committed to creating awareness through projects and programs across schools and communities to raise Sustainable Development Goals advocates.

Strategic Planning: The Team Lead is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the Community Innovation Hub. He works closely with stakeholders, including the organization's management, partners, and community members, to define goals, objectives, and action plans aligned with the hub's mission. 

Project and Program Management: The Team Lead oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of various projects and programs within the Community Innovation Hub. Works with team members to define project scopes, set goals, allocate resources, and establish timelines. 

Team Leadership and Management: The Team Lead provides leadership and guidance to the team members working within the Community Innovation Hub. They are responsible for recruiting, onboarding, and developing a competent and motivated team. Assigns roles and responsibilities, facilitates effective communication, fosters a collaborative work environment, and empowers team members to achieve their full potential. 

Monitoring and Evaluation: The Team Lead oversees the monitoring and evaluation of the hub's programs and projects to assess their effectiveness and impact. Develops evaluation frameworks, collect and analyze data, and use the insights gained to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes. Ensures that the hub's activities are aligned with its goals and make data-driven adjustments when necessary.

Our team comprises of experienced professional trainers within the field of Manpower training and development, edtech, technologists, and software programmers who have managed several internationally funded programs within Nigeria and across Africa.

The team will deliver the following in line with these sub-headings listed.

1. Alignment of Goals: The team lead and supporting team members within the Community Innovation Hub would be well-positioned to support the LEAP Project because it aligns with the hub's overall mission and objectives. Since the LEAP Project falls within the scope of the hub's activities, the team lead and team members can dedicate their efforts and resources towards its successful implementation while keeping in mind the other priorities of the organization.

2. Clear Project Roles and Responsibilities: The team lead would play a crucial role in defining clear project roles and responsibilities for the supporting team members. This ensures that each team member understands their specific tasks and how they contribute to the LEAP Project. By having well-defined roles, team members can effectively manage their time and prioritize their activities, balancing their contributions to the LEAP Project with other organizational priorities.

3. Effective Communication and Collaboration: The team lead and team members would establish efficient communication channels and foster a collaborative environment. Regular meetings, progress updates, and transparent communication would enable the team to stay informed about the LEAP Project's status, challenges, and opportunities. This allows them to effectively support the project while staying connected to other ongoing initiatives within the Community Innovation Hub.

4. Resource Allocation and Time Management: The team lead would assess the available resources and manage the allocation of personnel, budget, and other necessary resources for the LEAP Project. They would consider the workload and availability of team members, taking into account other priorities within the organization. By effectively managing resources and balancing workloads, the team lead ensures that the team can provide the necessary support to the LEAP Project without compromising other important initiatives.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability: The team lead and supporting team members would demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in managing their responsibilities. They would be able to navigate changing priorities within the organization and adjust their plans and timelines accordingly. This flexibility allows them to address the demands of the LEAP Project while also accommodating other priorities and potential shifts in the organizational landscape.

6. Cross-functional Collaboration: Depending on the nature of the LEAP Project, it may require collaboration across different teams or departments within the Community Innovation Hub. The team lead would facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that relevant expertise and resources from different areas of the organization are effectively integrated into the project. This collaborative approach optimizes the support provided to the LEAP Project while considering other priorities and expertise within the organization.

We identify, select, and empower teenagers and young people between the age of 7 and 25 years using alternative learning(Innovation/entrepreneurship/STEM)

In Africa, 72 million children are out of school prominently because of a lack of teachers and right mentors, most importantly the scarcity of stem teachers in school.

37 million children received extremely poor education, which will not make them fit for the future jobs
Over the last 50 years, according to USAID, DFID, and OECD, Africa has continued to suffer setbacks in technological advancement and infrastructure.
According to a recent search from the US Department of labor, the future of young people, primarily Africans, will be centered on solving problems that haven't been invented yet. 
The question is, what will be the fate of our supposed future leaders if they don’t possess the problem-solving skills needed?

As a result of this many students who dropped out of school will be engaged positively as social innovation and problem solvers.

Hence If these young men and women are not well develop, nature and directed toward a productive engagement this could constitute a security threat to the communities in the nearest future, 

We do this by setting up community innovation hubs in rural communities to train, and empower harness the skills of young people (preteens and teenagers), providing them with entrepreneurship skills, coding skills, and the opportunity to become key players in society.

The Community Innovation Hub aims to address students' individual needs and provide learning variability through its alternative learning model and focus on various themes. Here are the details of how the solution addresses students' individual needs:

Alternative Learning Model: The Community Innovation Hub utilizes an alternative learning model that emphasizes innovation and creativity. This approach recognizes that individuals have different learning styles and preferences. By incorporating hands-on activities, project-based learning, and interactive experiences, the hub caters to students who may thrive in non-traditional learning environments. This variability allows students to engage with the material in ways that best suit their individual needs and learning preferences.

Theme-Based Programs: The six themes offered by the Community Innovation Hub—Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship, STEM Education, Leadership, Education for Sustainable Development Goals, and Social Innovation—provide a range of options for students to choose from based on their interests and aspirations. Each theme offers different learning opportunities, allowing students to explore and focus on areas that align with their individual passions and goals. This flexibility enables students to personalize their learning experiences according to their unique needs and preferences.

Age-Appropriate Programs: The Community Innovation Hub caters to teenagers and young people between the ages of 7 and 25. Within this age range, the hub likely offers programs and activities tailored to specific age groups, ensuring that the content and teaching methods are appropriate for each developmental stage. This consideration of age-specific needs helps create a supportive and effective learning environment that addresses the individual requirements of students at different life stages.

Skills and Interest Exploration: The range of 21st-century courses offered by the hub, such as coding, UI/UX, 3D animations, programming, web development, and drone piloting, allows students to explore various skills and interests. By providing a diverse set of learning opportunities, the hub encourages students to discover their strengths and passions. This variability enables students to engage in areas that resonate with them personally, fostering a sense of motivation, ownership, and individualized growth.

Project-Based Learning: The emphasis on problem-solving and project-based learning in the hub's programs allows students to work on real-world challenges and develop practical skills. This approach promotes autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity, providing students with opportunities to address problems that align with their interests and concerns. By working on projects that have personal relevance, students can pursue their own learning paths and explore topics that are meaningful to them.

Mentorship and Support: The Community Innovation Hub, as a leadership incubation center, likely provides mentorship and support for students. Mentors can guide and assist students in identifying and developing their individual strengths, interests, and learning goals. This personalized mentorship helps create a supportive learning environment where students receive guidance tailored to their specific needs, fostering their personal growth and enhancing their learning experience.

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We conducted formative research to capture the needs for this solution, we conducted these findings with out-of-school children and teenagers who are out of high school to learn about their experience during the period they stay at home to wait for university education, their experience, interest and what skills they like to learn before they gain admission into the university and why these skills matter to them.

75% of the respondent confirmed that learning soft skills and digital-related skills will enhance their experience when they gain admission into the university, while some other percentages of the respondent seem to be indifferent that, without a community centre to learn relevant skills, the closer skills to learn will be negative social vices that could later hamper society growth.

We conducted formative research to capture the needs for this solution, we conducted these findings with out-of-school children and teenagers who are out of high school to learn about their experience during the period they stay at home to wait for university education, their experience, interest and what skills they like to learn before they gain admission into the university and why these skills matter to them.

75% of the respondent confirmed that learning soft skills and digital-related skills will enhance their experience when they gain admission into the university, while some other percentages of the respondent seem to be indifferent that, without a community centre to learn relevant skills, the closer skills to learn will be negative social vices that could later hamper society growth.

At the Community Innovation Hub, our organization recognizes the importance of having a strong evidence base for our solution. Strengthening the evidence base is crucial for several reasons:

Credibility: By bolstering the evidence base, we enhance the credibility of our organization and our solution. Robust evidence demonstrates that our approach is based on sound research and analysis, increasing trust among stakeholders, including community members, funders, and partners.

Effectiveness: Building a strong evidence base allows us to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of our solution. It helps us understand whether our initiatives are achieving the desired outcomes and impact within the communities we serve. This knowledge enables us to refine and improve our programs and interventions based on data-driven insights.

Scaling and Replication: A solid evidence base supports the scalability and replication of our solution. When we can provide evidence of successful outcomes, it becomes easier to attract additional resources, secure funding, and expand our reach to new communities. Policymakers and other organizations are more likely to adopt and implement our solution if there is compelling evidence of its effectiveness.

Learning and Innovation: Strengthening the evidence base fosters a culture of learning and innovation within our organization. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, we can identify best practices, lessons learned, and areas for improvement. This knowledge allows us to continuously refine our approach, adapt to changing community needs, and explore innovative solutions.

To strengthen the evidence base of our solution, we employ various strategies:

Rigorous Evaluation: We design and conduct comprehensive evaluations of our programs and interventions, employing rigorous research methodologies and data collection techniques. This includes pre- and post-intervention assessments, control groups, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data sources to gather quantitative and qualitative data.

Data Collection and Analysis: We invest in robust data collection systems and processes to capture relevant information about the communities we serve, program implementation, and outcomes. This may include developing data management tools, utilizing technology platforms for data collection, and employing data analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights.

Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance the research capacity and expertise within our organization. These partnerships allow us to tap into external resources, access specialized knowledge, and conduct independent evaluations to strengthen our evidence base.

Knowledge Sharing: We actively engage in knowledge-sharing and dissemination activities to ensure that our evidence reaches a wide audience. This includes publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, participating in relevant networks, and sharing insights through reports, case studies, and online platforms.

Longitudinal Studies: We recognize the importance of longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of our solution. By tracking outcomes and impacts over an extended period, we can understand the sustainability of our interventions and make informed decisions about program continuation or modifications.

By consistently prioritizing the strengthening of our evidence base, the Community Innovation Hub aims to enhance the credibility, effectiveness, scalability, and innovation of our solution while fostering learning and driving positive social change in the communities we serve.

What are the key factors that contribute to the success and sustainability of community-led innovation initiatives within diverse communities?

What are the specific social, economic, and environmental outcomes achieved through the implementation of our Community Innovation Hub projects?

What are the relevant skills needed by out-of-school teenagers to thrive in a changing world or during their university education?

During the 12-week LEAP (Learning, Evaluation, and Action Planning) Project sprint, our desired outputs would be centered around research activities aimed at answering the selected research questions. The outputs would include:

Data Collection Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining the methodologies, tools, and strategies for collecting relevant data to address the research questions. This plan would define the target population, data sources, sampling techniques, data collection methods (such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observation), and the timeline for data collection.

Data Collection and Analysis: Actual data collected from various sources, such as surveys, interviews, or existing datasets, based on the data collection plan. The collected data would be organized, cleaned, and analyzed using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis techniques. This would involve identifying patterns, themes, and trends in the data to derive meaningful insights and answer the research questions.

Research Findings Report: A comprehensive report summarizing the research findings derived from the data analysis. This report would provide an in-depth analysis of the research questions, including a detailed discussion of the key findings, implications, and recommendations. It would present quantitative and qualitative data in a clear and concise manner, supported by tables, charts, and graphs where applicable.

Recommendations for Action: Based on the research findings, a set of actionable recommendations would be developed. These recommendations would be aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the Community Innovation Hub projects. They could include suggestions for programmatic modifications, resource allocation strategies, engagement approaches, or policy advocacy efforts. The recommendations would be practical, evidence-based, and aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

Knowledge Sharing Platforms: The LEAP Project sprint would also involve developing platforms for sharing the research findings and outputs with relevant stakeholders. This could include presentations, webinars, or workshops for internal and external audiences, as well as publications in academic journals or industry reports. The goal would be to disseminate the research findings widely, generate discussions, and engage stakeholders in further dialogue and collaboration.

The outputs of the LEAP Project sprint will serve as valuable resources that the Community Innovation Hub will put into action in the following ways:

Programmatic Improvements: The research findings and recommendations derived from the data analysis will be utilized to enhance the effectiveness and impact of our Community Innovation Hub projects. The organization will review and assess the recommendations, considering their feasibility, alignment with the organization's goals, and potential for positive change. Action plans will be developed to implement the recommended strategies, modifications, or new approaches identified through the research.

Stakeholder Engagement: The research findings, along with the knowledge sharing platforms, will be used to engage and involve stakeholders, including community members, funders, partners, and policymakers. Presentations, webinars, workshops, and publications will be organized to disseminate the research findings, generate discussions, and foster collaboration. Stakeholder feedback and insights will be gathered, and further refinement of strategies and actions will be based on their input.

Resource Allocation and Planning: The evidence-based insights provided by the LEAP Project outputs will inform resource allocation and planning processes within the Community Innovation Hub. The organization will utilize the research findings to identify priority areas, allocate resources effectively, and make informed decisions about project continuation, expansion, or modifications. This includes budgeting, staffing, and resource mobilization efforts aligned with the identified needs and recommendations.

Advocacy and Policy Influence: The research findings and recommendations will be utilized for advocacy purposes, aiming to influence policies and decision-making processes. The organization will actively engage with policymakers, government officials, and relevant stakeholders, sharing the evidence gathered through the LEAP Project. By highlighting the positive outcomes and impact of the Community Innovation Hub projects, the organization will advocate for supportive policies, funding allocations, and partnerships that align with the research findings and recommendations.

Continuous Learning and Iteration: The LEAP Project outputs will contribute to a culture of continuous learning and iteration within the Community Innovation Hub. The organization will reflect on the research findings, lessons learned, and feedback received during the implementation of recommended strategies. This reflection will help inform future programmatic improvements, research initiatives, and project iterations, ensuring ongoing adaptation and innovation based on the evidence gathered.

The 12-week LEAP Project sprint is expected to yield several short-term and long-term outcomes for both the Community Innovation Hub organization and its solution. These outcomes are as follows:

Short-term Outcomes:

Enhanced Understanding: The LEAP Project sprint will provide the Community Innovation Hub with an enhanced understanding of the key factors contributing to the success of community-led innovation initiatives and the specific outcomes achieved through their projects. This deeper understanding will be derived from the research findings, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement conducted during the sprint.

Actionable Recommendations: The LEAP Project will generate actionable recommendations based on the research findings. These recommendations will guide the Community Innovation Hub in making informed decisions and implementing strategies to improve program effectiveness, inclusivity, and impact. The organization will have a clear roadmap for refining its approaches, allocating resources, and addressing community needs.

Stakeholder Engagement: The LEAP Project will foster increased stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Through knowledge sharing platforms, presentations, and discussions, stakeholders, including community members, funders, partners, and policymakers, will have an opportunity to provide feedback, contribute insights, and actively participate in shaping the future direction of the Community Innovation Hub.

Long-term Outcomes:

Improved Program Effectiveness: The insights gained from the LEAP Project will contribute to improved program effectiveness over the long term. By implementing the recommended strategies, modifications, and best practices, the Community Innovation Hub will enhance the quality and impact of its initiatives, resulting in more positive outcomes for the communities it serves.

Scalability and Replication: The evidence generated through the LEAP Project will support the scalability and replication of the Community Innovation Hub's solution. The robust evidence base will attract additional resources, funding, and partnerships, enabling the organization to expand its reach to new communities and implement its approach in diverse contexts.

Policy Influence and Advocacy: The research findings and evidence gathered during the LEAP Project will enhance the organization's ability to influence policies and advocate for supportive frameworks. By leveraging the evidence-based insights, the Community Innovation Hub will have a stronger voice in policy discussions, leading to policy changes that promote community-led innovation and address social challenges effectively.

Continuous Learning and Innovation: The LEAP Project will foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the Community Innovation Hub. The organization will continually refine its approaches, adapt to evolving community needs, and explore innovative solutions based on the research findings and lessons learned during the project. This iterative process will ensure ongoing improvement and relevance of the organization's solution.