In a recent LinkedIn post, Izehi Anuge shared her belief that values play a pivotal role in shaping children’s lives. “In today’s fast-paced world, nurturing our children’s values goes beyond mere knowledge—it’s about fostering real, lived experiences,” she wrote.
This conviction is the foundation of Shape A Child, the organisation she founded to foster academic and character development, particularly for children in underserved communities.
Anuge’s path into this field started when she realised many children lacked the support needed for academic and emotional growth. She saw that, besides academic knowledge, children must learn how to navigate challenges, develop confidence, and collaborate with empathy. These principles guide her in her work with Shape A Child, which aims to equip children with skills beyond the classroom.
Since its inception, Shape A Child has offered more than academic support. The organisation provides mentorship and life skills training. It helps children develop self-confidence and resilience. Through its programmes, children learn to face challenges with determination and compassion. These lessons prepare them to succeed in life and grow as individuals.
One notable initiative was a values-based jigsaw puzzle competition. The grand finale took place at the Eti-Osa Local Government Education Authority. Pupils from different schools joined teams to solve puzzles, testing their problem-solving skills, teamwork, honesty, and perseverance.
Izehi Anuge played an active role in the event, guiding the children and reinforcing these values. She celebrated their efforts, ensuring everyone felt encouraged. Her participation is more than leadership from a distance. She works directly with the children, mentoring them and supporting their emotional and academic growth.
Her leadership is based on service, and she teaches children that authentic leadership involves empathy, responsibility, and helping others. Through this approach, she nurtures the next generation of leaders, equipping them with confidence and a sense of duty to positively impact their communities.
The organisation’s success is evident, with children participating in its programmes demonstrating increased confidence, a stronger sense of community, and a better understanding of their societal role. Izehi Anuge plans to expand the foundation’s reach, ensuring that even more children benefit from these life-changing programmes.
Her work reflects her belief that society’s future depends not only on academic learning but also on the values instilled in young people. Through her leadership, she is helping shape a generation of children who value integrity and empathy, preparing them to lead their communities with care and responsibility.
