WELCOME TO RIA INITIATIVE

Improving Lives, One Community at a Time

Every program we run is designed to bring hope, resilience, and opportunity to vulnerable populations, ensuring that improving lives today leads to stronger, thriving communities tomorrow.

WELCOME

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I am delighted to welcome you to the official webpage of the Rise to Inspire Africa (RIA) Initiative. This platform has been designed to share our story, showcase the work we do, and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration that drives impact.

The RIA Initiative is a youth-led, women- and children-focused non-profit organization working with the most vulnerable populations in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. Through advocacy, collaboration, and partnerships, we champion the rights of children, empower women and girls, and expand access to quality education, healthcare, and protection services. Our vision is to foster sustainable change that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

Our programs span education, child protection, anti-trafficking in persons, health, Climate education, WASH, and civic engagement. We provide out-of-school children with pathways to alternative learning, equipping them with literacy, numeracy, and life skills to thrive. We deliver case management, referral services, and psychosocial support for conflict-affected children, while also fostering peaceful coexistence and countering violent extremist narratives in fragile communities. Beyond this, we promote community-led total sanitation, hygiene awareness, and health interventions that save lives.

Since our inception, we have grown from a small initiative into a force for good, reaching over 30,000 individuals across more than 100 communities. Our impact includes:

  • Supporting learners to transition back into formal education.
  • Enrolling hundreds of children in non-formal education programs.
  • Delivering life-saving messages on water, sanitation, and hygiene to thousands.
  • Providing safe spaces and structured recreational activities for children and young people.

This journey has only been possible because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and board members, as well as the trust and support of our partners. Together, we are proving that lasting change is possible when communities and institutions come together with a shared vision.

As we look ahead, the need remains great and so does our resolve. I invite you to partner with us in delivering aid, dignity, and hope to those most in need. Together, we can inspire transformation and build a future where every child and woman can thrive.

Thank you.

Stephen Olushola Oladepo

ABOUT US

Inspiring Hope, Restoring Dignity, Transforming Lives

Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative is an emerging youth-led, impact-driven, women-focused, humanitarian, and developmental non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to alleviating the sufferings of the vulnerable and most marginalized people in sub-Saharan Africa.

We aim to inspire the victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters, especially women and children, to attain self-reliance and sufficiency while providing access to equal opportunities through advocacy, collaborative networking, capacity building, and empowerment.

OUR CAUSES

Our Core Focus Areas

At Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative, our work is driven by the urgent needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities. These are the causes we stand for and the areas where we focus our energy and resources:

Education in Emergency

When crisis strikes, children’s learning is often the first casualty. We provide safe spaces, learning materials, and support so children can continue their education even in the most difficult circumstances.

Child Protection

Every child deserves safety and dignity. We work to shield children from abuse, fear, neglect, and exploitation while creating environments where they can grow, play, and thrive.

Health Awareness

Knowledge saves lives. Through community outreach, campaigns, and training, we raise awareness on critical health issues, empowering people to make informed decisions and protect their well-being.

WHAT WE DO

Our programs

At Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative, our work is centered on creating real, lasting change for vulnerable and marginalized communities across sub-Saharan Africa. We focus on the people who are often left behind—women, children, and survivors of conflict or disaster, by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to live with dignity and independence.

Protection

Vulnerable groups, especially children and women, face heightened risks in times of conflict, displacement, and poverty […]

INCLUSION FOR ALL

No One Left Behind

At RIA Initiative, inclusion is not an afterthought—it’s at the heart of everything we do. We believe that persons with disabilities (PWDs) deserve the same access to health, education, protection, and opportunity as anyone else.

That’s why every program we design—whether it’s healthcare, education in emergencies, WASH, or peacebuilding, we intentionally consider the unique needs of PWDs. From providing assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids to ensuring safe and accessible learning spaces, we are breaking the barriers that hold people back.

We also engage families, caregivers, and community leaders to fight stigma and build supportive environments where PWDs can thrive with dignity. Our teams work to ensure that women, girls, and children with disabilities are not overlooked but are empowered to participate fully in community life.

Inclusion means creating opportunities for leadership, livelihood, and participation. We encourage PWDs to become active decision-makers in the programs that affect their lives, strengthening their voices and agency.

Every effort we make is driven by one simple belief: that ability, not disability, should define opportunity.

Our Numbers

Every statistic represents a life touched, a community strengthened, and a step closer to lasting change. These numbers highlight the reach and impact of our work so far—and the potential to do even more.

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Communities Reached

Delivering health, protection, education and empowerment programs where they’re needed most.

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Beneficiaries Reached

Providing access to healthcare awaresness, education, and skills for self-reliance.

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Volunteers

Passionate young people driving our vision and amplifying our impact on the ground.

DONATE NOW

Donate Us

Your generous support enables to continue its mission of spreading God’s love and serving our community.

GALLERY

Our Activities in Pictures

LATEST POST

News and Features

Explore inspiring stories and updates about our initiatives, successes, and the lives we’ve touched. See how your support is creating real, lasting change in communities we serve.

Our Partners

FAQ

Answers to important your questions

Our projects are funded through grants, partnerships, and donations from individuals and organizations who share our vision of empowering vulnerable communities.

You can volunteer, donate, or partner with us to support our initiatives. Visit our Contact Us page for more details.

We focus on the most vulnerable, especially women, children, and marginalized groups affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

We operate under our I-CHAIR values, with accountability at the core. We provide regular reports to donors, conduct internal monitoring and evaluation, and work closely with community stakeholders to ensure transparency.

Yes. Collaboration is central to our approach. We work with local NGOs, community leaders, government agencies, and international partners to amplify our impact and deliver sustainable solutions.

Inclusion is central to our mission. We design every program—health, education, WASH, protection, and peacebuilding, with the specific needs of PWDs in mind. This includes providing assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids; creating accessible learning and safe spaces; engaging families and caregivers to reduce stigma; and ensuring PWDs are active participants in decision-making processes. Our goal is to guarantee that no one is left behind, regardless of their ability.