ENUGU: Golden Heart Foundation Marks Int'l Youth Day with Mindset Devt, Digital skills

The Golden Heart Foundation, in collaboration with the Youth Friendly Resource Centre of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), has marked the 2026 International Youth Day with a two-day conference aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to navigate contemporary challenges and prepare for the future.

Held at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, the programme brought together young people and stakeholders to discuss issues central to the wellbeing, development and future prospects of the younger generation.

The conference, organized by the Coordinator of the Golden Heart Foundation, Mrs. Chinyere Okafor, focused on four major areas of youth development: addiction and mental health, purpose discovery, future preparedness and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The initiative was conceived by Kelechukwu Nwabueze-Joseph, a youth coach and leadership and strategy consultant, and supported by the Golden Heart Foundation in partnership with the Youth Friendly Resource Centre, UNEC.

According to the organisers, the programme was conceived against the backdrop of growing pressures confronting young people and the need to provide them with practical knowledge and guidance beyond conventional academic education.

Mrs. Okafor said that the conference was more than a celebration of International Youth Day. 

"It was designed as a practical intervention aimed at helping young people understand the realities around them and develop the capacity to make informed decisions about their lives and future.

"The programme provided a platform for young people to learn, interact with professionals, ask questions and reflect on some of the challenges that could affect their personal growth, mental wellbeing, careers and ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

"Golden Heart Foundation understands the importance of partnerships between civil society organisations and academic institutions in creating opportunities for young people to access mentorship, knowledge and practical life skills," Okafor said 

Participants were encouraged to develop greater awareness of the psychological, social and behavioural challenges affecting young people, while examining addiction beyond common stereotypes and misconceptions.

The discussions highlighted the importance of early awareness, healthy coping mechanisms, supportive relationships and seeking appropriate help when necessary.

The organisers also stressed the need for safe and constructive spaces where young people can discuss issues affecting their emotional and psychological wellbeing without fear of stigma..

The conference also challenged participants to look beyond immediate academic and social pressures and discover their individual strengths, interests, values and potential contribution to society.

Participants were encouraged to understand purpose as a continuous journey requiring self-awareness, discipline, learning and a willingness to create value and serve others.

The session further emphasised the importance of identifying personal capacities and deliberately developing them into skills capable of creating opportunities and making an impact.

Another major focus was the need for young people to prepare intentionally for a rapidly changing future.

Knowledge on the use Artificial Intelligence tools featured prominently at the conference, where participants were introduced to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

Discussions focused on how young people can responsibly use emerging technologies for learning, productivity, creativity, entrepreneurship and professional development.

The two-day programme served as a celebration of young people, and as a call to action for them to understand who they are, discover their purpose, acquire relevant skills and begin today to build the future they want to see.