Finding Our Core: Reflections from the YouthPrep Core Life Skills Training
In a world where “what do you do?” often comes before “who are you?”, the Core Life Skills Training by YouthPrep, under the Cloneshouse Foundation, reminded us that the journey to employability begins with understanding oneself.
From September 15 – 19, 2025, eleven young professionals came together, not just to learn, but to rediscover their voices, strengths, and capacity to grow. The five-day program offered more than structured sessions; it created a space for reflection, curiosity, and connection.
Day one opened with Oludotun Babayemi guiding participants through Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Self-Assessment through a Human-Centred Design Approach. His message was simple yet profound: technology should enhance our humanity, not replace it.
As the week unfolded, facilitators helped participants connect life skills with real-world impact. Happiness Titus Zirra led the Tree of Life and Goal Setting sessions, encouraging self-awareness and purpose-driven living. Rachael Okoronkwo & Phainom Benedict challenged participants to think critically, while Shittu Sulaimon’s session on Developing Communication Skills offered practical ways to listen, speak, and connect meaningfully.
Midweek, Dr Steven Adeboye explored Employability and Entrepreneurship, reminding everyone that adaptability and initiative are the currencies of the modern workplace. By day four, Princess Odey led conversations on Conflict Management and Decent Work, while Victoria Olumese unpacked Financial Intelligence, a session that sparked both laughter and aha moments across the room.
The final day, centred on Emotional Regulation and Mental Health, closed the intensive five-day session and brought us to a full circle moment, showing that overall, to be all the other things above and to be able to do these things, you must be grounded and well-rounded as an individual. The participants left not only with new knowledge but with a stronger sense of self, ready to engage, create, and lead.
For many, the training was transformative. Here are some precepts from our Cohort 1 participants;
“I came to the programme expecting structure, and I got nothing less,” shared Oluwatobi Kayode. “My most significant lesson was learning that knowing myself is the basis of everything.”
“The sessions were amazing, and I have learned a lot!” said Salome Shem.
Princewill Enyioko reflected, “From the onset, I learned how to productively use Artificial Intelligence and think critically. We appreciate the facilitators who took the time to speak to us.”
And for Nana Hafsat, “Before coming here, I expected to grow from where I was to where I want to be, and during the training, I got nothing short of that.”
By the end of the week, the eleven participants had not only earned their certificates of completion but they had also become part of a growing community of young changemakers equipped with the skills and heart to shape their future. Because sometimes, the most powerful education doesn’t just teach you how to work. It reminds you why you do.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Princess Odey is a lawyer with a passion for youth empowerment, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. At Cloneshouse Foundation, she leads community engagement and storytelling efforts that spotlight the voices and contributions of emerging evaluators across Africa. Her versatile skill set and passionate dedication converge to create a formidable force for positive change and embody an unwavering commitment to impact and growth.
