Every meaningful change begins with a decision to make a difference.
In a world where many people face challenges related to education, poverty, limited opportunities, and personal development, it is easy to believe that solving these problems requires extraordinary resources. However, lasting change often begins with something much smaller: a helping hand, a word of encouragement, access to learning, or an opportunity for someone to discover their potential.
At Yes We Are Winning (YWAW Foundation), we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, succeed, and live a meaningful life. We understand that building stronger communities requires compassion, commitment, and a willingness to invest in people.
Why Small Acts of Kindness Matter
A simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. Supporting a struggling family, encouraging a young person to pursue their dreams, or helping someone access educational opportunities can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial act.
When people feel supported and valued, they are better positioned to overcome challenges, develop confidence, and contribute positively to their communities.
Change does not always happen overnight, but every sincere effort brings us closer to a society where more people have the opportunity to thrive.
Education: Opening Doors to Opportunity
Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and community development. It equips individuals with knowledge, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for a better future.
However, access to quality education remains a challenge for many people. By supporting learning initiatives and encouraging personal development, we can help bridge these gaps and empower individuals to take control of their futures.
Investing in education is not just about helping one person succeed. It is about strengthening families, communities, and future generations.
Encouragement and Empowerment: Helping People Believe Again
Sometimes, what people need most is someone who believes in them.
Life’s challenges can make individuals doubt their abilities and lose sight of their potential. Genuine encouragement can help them regain confidence, find direction, and take the next step towards their goals.
Empowerment goes beyond offering temporary assistance. It means helping people develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support they need to build better lives for themselves.
At YWAW Foundation, these values remind us that every individual has potential worth nurturing and a future worth investing in.
How You Can Make a Difference
Creating lasting change is a shared responsibility. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their financial circumstances or professional background.
You can make a difference by volunteering your time, supporting community initiatives, sharing useful knowledge, donating resources where possible, or simply encouraging someone who needs support.
You can also help raise awareness about issues affecting vulnerable members of society and inspire others to become part of the solution.
The goal is not to do everything at once. It is to recognise the difference we can make when we choose to act.
Together, We Can Build a Better Future
A stronger community is built when people look beyond themselves and recognise the importance of helping others succeed. Every opportunity created, every person encouraged, and every life supported contributes to a future filled with greater hope and possibility.
At Yes We Are Winning Foundation, we remain committed to the belief that progress is possible when compassion meets action and people are given the opportunity to reach their potential.
Because winning is not only about personal success. It is also about helping others rise, creating opportunities, and building a future where more people can thrive.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can turn small acts into lasting impact and create a community where everyone has a chance to win.
Every thriving community has one thing in common—people who are willing to step forward and make a difference. While financial support is essential for charitable organizations, one of the most valuable gifts anyone can offer is their time. Volunteering is more than lending a helping hand; it is about creating hope, building stronger communities, and inspiring positive change that lasts for generations.
At Yes, We Are Winning Foundation (YWAW), we believe that every individual has the potential to make a meaningful impact. Whether you dedicate a few hours each month or actively participate in our community projects, your contribution can help transform lives while enriching your own.
What Does It Mean to Volunteer?
Volunteering is the act of offering your time, skills, and energy to support a cause without expecting financial reward. It is driven by compassion, generosity, and a genuine desire to help others.
Volunteers are often the heart of nonprofit organizations. They assist with educational programs, outreach events, mentorship, fundraising activities, community development initiatives, and countless other efforts that improve lives.
At YWAW, volunteers are not just helpers—they are partners in building a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
The Difference One Volunteer Can Make
Many people underestimate the impact of volunteering because they believe they need extraordinary skills or unlimited free time. In reality, meaningful change often begins with simple acts of service.
A volunteer who spends a few hours mentoring a young person may inspire confidence that lasts a lifetime.Someone who helps distribute school supplies may enable a child to return to school with dignity and excitement.
A volunteer who supports an outreach program may provide encouragement to someone going through a difficult season.
Small acts of kindness have the power to create lasting ripple effects that extend far beyond the moment.
How Communities Benefit from Volunteers
Communities become stronger when people choose to serve one another. Volunteers help bridge gaps where resources may be limited, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.
Through volunteer efforts, communities experience:
Improved access to education and learning opportunities.
Greater support for children and families.
Increased awareness of important social issues.
Stronger relationships built on compassion and trust.
Encouragement for people facing difficult circumstances.
A culture where giving back becomes a shared responsibility.
Every outreach, educational campaign, mentorship session, and community initiative becomes possible because people choose to serve.
Volunteering Also Changes the Volunteer
One of the most remarkable things about volunteering is that while you are helping others, you are also growing personally.
Many volunteers discover new strengths, develop valuable skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for life. They build confidence, improve communication, strengthen leadership abilities, and form meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Volunteering can also:
Improve teamwork and leadership skills.- Build confidence and self-esteem.
Expand professional experience.
Develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Create lifelong friendships.
Give a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Many people begin volunteering to make a difference in someone else’s life, only to realize the experience has transformed their own.
Why Volunteering Matters More Than Ever
Today’s world faces numerous challenges, from educational inequality and youth unemployment to poverty and social isolation. While these issues may seem overwhelming, collective action has the power to create meaningful change.
When individuals volunteer their time, they become part of the solution.
Communities no longer depend solely on institutions or governments. Ordinary people become agents of hope by sharing their knowledge, compassion, and abilities with those who need them most.
Every hour volunteered contributes to building a more caring and resilient society.
How You Can Volunteer with Yes We Are Winning Foundation
At YWAW, there are many ways to get involved, regardless of your background or profession.You can volunteer by:
Participating in community outreach programs.
Supporting educational initiatives for children.
Assisting during school supply distribution projects.
Mentoring young people.
Helping organize events and awareness campaigns.
Supporting administrative and logistical activities.
Using your professional skills in areas such as writing, photography, graphic design, digital marketing, event planning, healthcare, education or technology.
No contribution is too small. Every skill and every hour shared brings us one step closer to creating lasting impact.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect, You Just Need to Be Willing
One common misconception about volunteering is that you must have special qualifications or lots of free time.The truth is that what matters most is your willingness to serve.Whether you can volunteer once a month, once a week, or during special projects, your contribution has value. Every act of kindness strengthens communities and reminds others that they are not alone.
Join the Movement
Positive change begins when ordinary people choose to take extraordinary action.
At Yes, We Are Winning Foundation, we are committed to empowering lives, promoting education, supporting communities, and inspiring a culture of excellence. We invite you to become part of this mission by volunteering your time, sharing your skills and standing alongside us as we create opportunities for those who need them most.
Together, we can inspire hope, transform lives, and build stronger communities, one act of service at a time.
Ready to make a difference? Join the Yes We Are Winning Foundation as a volunteer and become part of a growing community of people committed to creating lasting impact through service, compassion, and a winning mindset.
There’s no doubt that in the place of distress there is glory, and in the place of ashes there is beauty. These were my thoughts as I watched the new world record holder, Tobi Amusan sang the Nigerian National Anthem in joyful tears at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA.
Tobi Amusan, a Nigerian-born sprinter becomes the World champion and the World record holder after running for 12:06 seconds in the 100m Women’s hurdles. With this record, she becomes the winner of Nigerian first ever world championship gold medal.
Tobi Amusan wins Gold at the World Athletics Championships
The hardship and pains we go through in Nigeria has made many citizens to deny their fatherland. For want of a saner environment and greener pastures, many Nigerians have changed nationalities and have become bonafide citizens of other countries. This situation has degenerated so badly that in recent times, youths are migrating in droves to Europe where they believe they will find better platforms to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
I was very emotional as I watched Tobi sing the Nigerian National anthem with joyful tears in her eyes. I wondered what she was thinking as she wept. For me, I was asking myself if Nigeria truly deserves this kind of honour occasioned by the greatness of a self motivated individual who like many other youths may not have been given any chance to succeed in her fatherland.
With a heavy heart I had thought about the so many talented youths who because of the difficulties and quest for survival have abandoned their noble aspirations to engage in vices that puts the nation into disrepute. Perhaps, they may have also been so honoured if their country have invested in them. Sadly, this class of Nigerians are far more than those who distinguish themselves in excellence. For instance, imagine the devastating impact of the ASUU strikes on the morals and ambitions of many Nigerian youth.
According to the commentator, “Years and years of work for one moment of perfection and history. This is what it meant for Tobi Amusan.” You may have thousands of reasons why you can’t be excellent—you may blame it on your background, your limitations or even your country’s failure to harness your potentials. But my friend, your victory or defeat is in you. If you don’t get validation from men, validate yourself. If your society pulls you down, rise up again and again and pursue your dreams with determination and faith in God! There’s hope for your tomorrow; Rise and shine!
Oh that this “One nation bound in freedom”will truly experience peace and unity! With a great news like this, I know there’s hope for Nigeria!
As I stood, brimming with smiles and watching in admiration as the kids dance to fun-filled music from DJ Success, the thoughts that crossed my mind was, “What if we hadn’t come?” We had fun… Both children and facilitators were treated to a beautiful and fun-filled party that exhilarated and inspired them to celebrate life in spite of their conditions.
The decision to visit the Lagos State Rehabilitation Center, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos, to celebrate Children’s day was impromptu as we had initially planned to visit one of the correctional homes as our custom is. Ahlaja Oseni, the Coordinator of the Children section of the centre was full of gratitude for the choice of the centre for the international children’s day celebration.
The Lagos State Rehabilitation centre, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos State, is a home for the destitute, mentally derailed and special children. It includes beggars and destitute picked up from the streets of Lagos, some of which consist of mentally derailed persons and children with autism and other special health cases. These people are well cared for and trained with relevant skills including fashion, craft, horticulture, catering etc.
The centre occupies a large expanse of land located on the Owutu-Isawo road of Ikorodu North-east of Lagos state is a special school funded by the state government and supported by generous individuals. The special school which was built to accommodate 500 special individuals, who would be trained and empowered in relevant skills is obviously achieving its aims. This initiative is achieving the efforts of the government in the reducing mental health crises and poverty which has made many homeless and destitute.
Speaking with one of the staff, the cost of running this facility is huge and majorly funded by the state government. However, the challenges are so enormous as provision of drugs always falls short of the requirements and this has been responsible for why some victims of mental health crisis relapse and some who were returned got worst than when they were discharged.
We are really impressed by what the government is doing in the area of the social welfare of the citizens and fostering a sane and healthy environment. We encourage NGOs and patriotic individuals to visit the special rehabilitation centre and support the government on this laudable project.
The Children at the Rehab having fun
We are pleased to see the children celebrate the children’s day amidst fun and pageantry. Special thanks to the management of the school for the warm reception and partnership.
Special thanks to Mcdammy Foods who made the ocassion more exciting by surprising the children with a cake and drinks. A big shout to Fun planet who also spiced the occasion with amazing entertainment, I bet you, the children had the best time of their lives
Happy Children’s day to all children of the world, especially those special children.
World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year to spread happiness in the whole world. This year World Laughter Day will be observed on May 1, 2022. Every year more than 70 countries around the world celebrate World Laughter Day on the first Sunday of May.
Benefits of laughter
Laughter is good for your health. In fact, it is really one of the best medicines in the world. It strengthens your immune system, boosts your mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Studies have shown that a person who laughs a lot lives longer and has a healthier and happier life. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
History of World Laughter Day World Laughter Day was first celebrated on May 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India. The day was arranged by Dr Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement.
Dr Kataria is a family doctor in India who was inspired to start the Laughter Yoga movement in part by the facial feedback hypothesis, which postulates that a person’s facial expressions can have an effect on their emotions.
The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive manifestation of world peace and is intended to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.
My favorite quotes about laughter
I have not seen anyone dying of laughter, but I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.” -Madan Kataria
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” -Mark Twain
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
Activity
Laugh And Win
Send us a 30 secs video of your unique laughter and win a prize.
(All entries shall be opened for voting by our Facebook and Instagram followers for the most endearing and funny laughter.)
Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” -Lucy Maud
In February 2020, Omowuni Blessing Oyewole (Shona) matriculated as an undergraduate at the Polytechnic, Ede Osun State with the support of the Yes, We Are Winning Foundation. Though with a physical disability, Shona who uses a wheel chair never relented on her desire to further her education.
Her determination to succeed motivated the foundation to offer her scholarship to study Nutrition & Dietetics. Today, we are proud to celebrate Shona who has completed her National Diploma (ND1) at the Polytechnic Ede.
Omowunmi Shona on her convocation day at the Polytechnic Ede in 2020
According to her, “Disability is This-ability.” Omowunmi believes that her disability is never a limitation to her success in life. She was certain that she would overcome the challenges of going to school with her inability to walk. Omowunmi wants everyone living with disability to never give up on themselves, but to be determined to succeed as she is. “Suicide is not an option”, she enthused!
Omowunmi on the day of her final exams at The Polytechnic Ede.
Congratulations to you the Mum, her siblings and her friends who stood by her all the way. Congratulations to Omowunmi! The foundation is with you all the way, and we wish you more wins in your future endeavours!
According to her, “Disability is This-ability.” Omowunmi believes that her disability is never a limitation to her success in life. She was certain that she would overcome the challenges of going to school with her inability to walk. Omowunmi wants everyone living with disability to never give up on themselves, but to be determined to succeed as she is. “Suicide is not an option”, she enthused!