Thriving Hopes: Our Goal is not Visibility; it is Transformation, Says Founder, Grace Joel
Grace Asah Joel, Founder of Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives (THDI), Bayelsa State speaks on the achievements and impact of organization. Excerpts.
Can you tell us about your NGO?
A: Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives (THDI) is a community-driven nonprofit organization based in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. We are committed to improving lives through health promotion, quality education support, youth empowerment, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).
Our focus is not just intervention, but transformation. We work at the grassroots level to ensure that young people and adults—especially those in underserved communities—have access to knowledge, opportunities, and support systems that help them thrive sustainably.
Can you provide specific examples of programs executed in the last year and the number of beneficiaries impacted?
A: In the past year, THDI has implemented several impactful programs across Bayelsa State, directly reaching and empowering young people and women.
A. SHOUT! SPEAK UP! AND REPORT!
“Identifying Early Signs of GBV, Safety Tips, and the Appropriate Steps to Take”
In pursuit of our mission to combat gender-based violence, THDI joined forces with the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Cynosure, and DO Foundation in a sensitization program spearheaded by the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), of which THDI is a committed member.
The program was hosted at Blossom Montessori School and Hansel International School, Imiringi, Bayelsa State, reaching over 500 students across both schools.
Students were sensitized on:
- Major signs of GBV and how to recognize them early
- Practical safety tips to avoid risky situations
- Appropriate steps to take when exposed to GBV, emphasizing speaking up, reporting, and seeking help
Helplines were provided to ensure follow-up, counselling, and survivor support. The sessions were interactive, and students expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained.
B. Children’s Day Entertainment and Hygiene Day (Edutainment) – May 2025
Tagged “Edutainment,” this special event commemorated:
- International Day of the Boy Child (May 16)
- World Personal Hygiene Day (May 5)
- Children’s Day (May 27)
- World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28)
Leveraging the significance of May as a public health awareness month, THDI engaged over 800 young people in constructive dialogue and practical learning sessions.
Souvenirs distributed included:
- Menstrual pads
- Pant liners
- Medicated soaps
- Hand wash
- Sanitizers
Key discussion areas included:
- Personal hygiene
- Menstrual hygiene
- Consequences of cultism
- Gender-based violence
The program created awareness while providing a safe learning environment. Follow-up visits are being conducted to reinforce lessons taught and address identified issues through collaboration with key stakeholders.
C. The Power of Choice Initiative (School Outreach Program)
This is a comprehensive health and life-skills education program focused on:
- Informed decision-making
- Sexual and reproductive health awareness
- Gender-based violence prevention
Beneficiaries: Secondary school students across Yenagoa Local Government Area.
D. Zero Discrimination Day Community Engagement
This public awareness campaign promoted dignity, inclusion, and equality.
Beneficiaries: Youths, women, adolescents, and community stakeholders in selected communities.
Overall Reach:
Across these interventions, THDI has directly reached well over 1,400 beneficiaries within the last year through structured school outreaches, community engagements, sensitization campaigns, and follow-up support activities.
Q3: What sustainable skills, financial support, or mentorship opportunities have you provided beyond one-day seminars?
A: We understand that empowerment is not a one-day event. Beyond awareness programs, we provide:
- Continuous mentorship and follow-up support for adolescent girls and boys.
- Linkages to health services and psychosocial support where necessary.
- Capacity-building for young volunteers interested in community development.
- Practical life-skills sessions embedded within our outreach programs.
Our approach integrates education, mentorship, and referral systems—ensuring that beneficiaries are not left without direction after events conclude.
Q4: How do you select beneficiaries, and what ensures transparency?
A: Our beneficiary selection process is guided by:
- Needs assessments within target schools and communities.
- Collaboration with school administrators and community leaders.
- Prioritization of vulnerable and underserved groups.
To ensure transparency:
- Programs, outcomes, and success stories are publicly shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and radio, as well as through direct community engagement.
- Beneficiary criteria are clearly communicated.
- Stakeholders are involved in verification processes.
- Activities are documented and reported.
We believe accountability builds trust, and trust sustains impact.
Q5: Can you share success stories, and are beneficiaries available to confirm impact?
A: Yes. We have young girls who, after participating in our health education sessions, have demonstrated improved confidence, better decision-making, and increased school engagement.
Some beneficiaries have gone on to serve as peer educators and advocates within their schools and communities.
As an organization, we prioritize safeguarding and privacy, especially for minors. However, adult beneficiaries and community stakeholders are available to publicly affirm the impact of our work when appropriate.
Q6: How is your organization funded, and what percentage goes directly to youth and women projects?
A: Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives is funded through:
- Founder contributions
- Individual donations
- Partnerships and in-kind community support
As a grassroots NGO, a significant percentage of our resources goes directly into program implementation—including materials, logistics, educational resources, and community engagement activities.
We operate with lean administrative costs to ensure that the majority of available funds directly benefit youths and women in Bayelsa communities and beyond.
Q7: What makes your organization different, and how do you measure long-term impact?
A: What sets us apart includes:
- Our strong grassroots presence and community trust.
- Integration of health, education, and gender advocacy rather than isolated interventions.
- Follow-up engagement beyond one-time events.
- A strong technical background in public health programming and monitoring.
We measure long-term impact through:
- Repeat engagement with schools and communities.
- Behavioral change indicators, such as knowledge retention and decision-making confidence.
- Volunteer retention and leadership development.
- Community feedback and testimonials.
Our goal is not visibility; it is transformation.
