About us
OUR VISION
A Nigeria where every child and young person is empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To provide targeted development initiatives for children and adolescents that will create lasting change, pivoting their lives towards a successful future.
Our Children's Voices
Meet our founder
Mrs. Sharon Ayeni founded the NGO in 2023 after relocating to Nigeria from the UK.
A former British civil servant with The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sharon has managed interventions aimed at helping the poorest and most vulnerable in developing countries, serving with the British Government in Nigeria; Ghana, Sierra Leone, Belize, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Tunisia.
She is passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.
OUR INITIATIVES
THE ENERI PROJECT
ENERI- Enhancing Nutrition, Exercise and Reading Initiative.
The ENERI project exists to impact the lives of younger generation with the necessary building blocks they need for a successful tomorrow.
These building blocks include:
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Reading
We reach out to children in need with:
1. A school feeding program, which will help to improve their nutritional status,
2. Supply of age appropriate reading materials to improve the students’ literary skills,
3. Provision of play equipment to encourage a more fun and educative play time, and
4. A behavioral change campaign to teach the community and students on the importance of the above mentioned components.
This is a big vision and we need your support!
No matter how small, you can support a child in so many ways.
The Power of School Feeding
As part of our flagship Enhancing Nutrition, Exercise, and Reading (ENERI) project, one key component is School Feeding. In May 2024, CCDI launched an initiative to provide a hot meal and a piece of fruit once a week for 10 weeks (May–July 2024). Our commitment was simple: no child left behind—every student received a meal. This initiative was an incredible success, and if funding allows, we are eager to bring it back.
Why Is School Feeding Important?
The impact of school feeding programs is far-reaching. At LEA Primary School, Apo Dutse Abuja, students have shared how much they enjoyed the meals provided by CCDI—delicious, nutritious, and a highlight of their school day. Beyond just filling hungry stomachs, school feeding plays a crucial role in child development by:
Ø Boosting academic performance
Ø Eradicating hunger and improving concentration
Ø Encouraging school attendance, especially for girls
Ø Attracting out-of-school children back to classrooms
Given its numerous benefits, CCDI remains a strong advocate for the reintroduction of a nationwide school feeding program by the Federal Government of Nigeria. We believe every child in public primary schools across the FCT—and beyond—deserves access to nutritious meals that fuel both their minds and bodies.
ENERI’s Desk a School Initiative
As part of CCDI’s commitment to improving schools in Nigeria, we have donated 25 desk sets to LEA Primary School, Kabusa, Abuja —a step toward creating a better learning environment for students.
This initiative was born out of the reading component of our ENERI program. While working alongside the Embassy of Switzerland to renovate and equip school libraries, we made a shocking discovery: most students were forced to sit on the floor during lessons due to a severe shortage of desks. This lack of proper seating creates a challenging learning environment, making it harder for students to focus and thrive.
With an enrolment of over 2,000 students, our dream is to furnish every classroom with proper desks. Will you help us make this dream a reality?
Start Smart September - ENERI’s back to school Initiative
The 2024/2025 school year kicked off on a joyful note for 43 vulnerable children, thanks to CCDI’s commitment to making education accessible to all. Through our Start Smart September Initiative, we provided essential back-to-school supplies, including:
🎒 Uniforms, sportswear, sandals, and backpacks
📚 Notebooks, stationery, and water bottles
💰 Yearly PTA fees—ensuring each child could resume school
Beyond the school supplies, the true impact was seen in the smiles of the children and the relief of parents who couldn’t afford these costs. It was a privilege to make a difference.
This initiative was made possible through the generous support of The Stanley Jegede Foundation, House of Sozo and other distinguished donors.
This Year, We Aim Higher!
In September 2025, we’re determined to support 150 children with back-to-school essentials.
Will you join us in making this dream a reality?
ENERI Collaborates with:
ENERI in Action
ENERI Donors:
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CCDI Photo Gallery
Our Founder at the Swiss-Nigerian Innovation Forum
With Country Director of Plan International.
Courtesy visit to Plan International
L-R: Ajumbi Achegbulu (Plan Int'l), Sharon Ayeni (CCDI), Charles Usie (Plan Int'l) and Alice Benson (CCDI)
Our Executive Director with the country Director of Christian Aid Nigeria
With the Country Director of Christian Aid
Advocacy visit to The Federal Ministry of Education with Board of Trustees
Help our Cause
Our beneficiaries
The first school to benefit from the initiative is LEA Primary School Apo Dutse.
In collaboration with The Embassy of Switzerland, Nigeria, we have gone on to renovate 4 additional school libraries.
Many more to follow with your support.