Benue NGO selects 10 Young Changemakers from 293 applicants in JUWACI Community Impact Challenge

By James Ike

As part of activities to mark the celebration of the International Women’s Day, IWD, 2026, the Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI), led by its Founder and Executive Director Chief Jennifer Hembafan Alih, organized the “Give to Gain” Community Impact Challenge to identify and support young Nigerians committed to creating positive change within their communities.

The challenge formed part of Chief Jennifer Hembafan Alih’s broader vision to build a nationwide network of young community leaders developing practical solutions to local challenges.

The initiative received an overwhelming response, recording 293 applications from across Nigeria within just 24 hours of opening the call for submissions.

Following a rigorous screening process, 40 finalists were shortlisted and enrolled into the next stage of the challenge. As part of the program’s development approach, the finalists were paired with experienced mentors who provided guidance and support to help refine their ideas and strengthen the feasibility of their proposed community projects.

The finalists then advanced to the public voting stage. Winners were determined through a transparent selection process combining 40% public engagement and 60% JUWACI internal evaluation, assessing criteria such as impact potential, feasibility, innovation, and relevance to community needs.

At the conclusion of the challenge, 10 winners emerged with innovative project ideas addressing issues such as community development, disability inclusion, education, health awareness, and women’s empowerment.

The selected projects will now move into the implementation phase within their respective communities in collaboration with JUWACI, with the assigned mentors continuing to guide and support the winners throughout the execution of their projects as part of the organization’s Community Impact Incubator Program.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Jennifer Hembafan Alih emphasized the importance of empowering young leaders to move beyond ideas and implement practical solutions.

“We cannot wait for others to come and fix our communities. Real change begins when individuals take responsibility for creating solutions where they are. Through this challenge, we are nurturing a generation of young leaders who are ready to take action and create meaningful impact," she said.

JUWACI continues to expand its work in women and youth empowerment, community development, and social impact, while building a growing network of young leaders committed to advancing positive change across Nigeria.

JUWACI plans to continue expanding the Community Impact Challenge as an ongoing platform to identify, mentor, and support grassroots changemakers developing practical solutions to community challenges across Nigeria.

It would be noted that Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and community development through advocacy, education, and grassroots initiatives.

Through its programs, JUWACI works to promote dignity, inclusion, and sustainable opportunities for women, children, and vulnerable communities.