GLTeens Reaches Girls in Ikorodu Through TreasureHer School Outreach

Global Light Teens (GLTeens) has reached 85 girls at Christoline Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos, through its first TreasureHer school outreach, an initiative designed to help adolescent girls understand their worth, discover their gifts and make decisions guided by strong values.

Held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the interactive workshop was organised in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The programme brought together girls in the semi-urban community for conversations and practical activities around identity, self-discovery, personal development, healthy relationships and the choices that shape their futures.

TreasureHer is built around the belief that every girl has inherent worth and deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, develop her abilities and grow into a confident young woman. Through guided reflections and interactive learning, participants explored how to recognise their gifts without comparing themselves to others and how to make choices that reflect their values and aspirations.

Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Funmilayo Ojeleye, Co-founder and Director of Global Light Teens, said, “I believe it is important that we start these conversations early, especially with adolescent girls. There is so much happening around the world, and girls are growing up navigating different pressures and challenges, including here in Africa. We cannot wait until they are already struggling before we begin to help them understand who they are. We need to start early, helping them recognise their worth, discover their gifts and learn to make choices that are good for them. That is why we created TreasureHer. We want girls to grow up with a better understanding of themselves and the confidence to navigate the world around them.”

The sessions were facilitated by Mercy Igwe, a social development expert, who led the identity session, and Funmilayo Ojeleye, a customer experience and programme leader, teen coach and Director of Global Light Teens, who guided participants through self-discovery and values-based living.

Using the T.R.E.A.S.U.R.E identity framework, the girls explored the importance of understanding their worth and developing a positive sense of self. The My SMARTS session, drawing on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences framework, helped participants recognise that intelligence and ability can take different forms.

The workshop also introduced the 3Fs Model, developed by Olumide Ojeleye, which explores the connection between what people enjoy, what they can do freely and the abilities that may create future opportunities. Through Funmilayo Ojeleye’s CRISP Model, participants further explored different ways they could contribute through creativity, restoration, innovation, problem-solving and prevention.

The girls also learned about SHINE, a framework centred on self-respect, honour, integrity, nurture and excellence. An activity using the analogy of an “investor versus predator” helped participants distinguish relationships that support their growth from those that could expose them to exploitation. The discussion encouraged the girls to recognise unhealthy pressure, establish boundaries and feel confident saying no to choices that compromise their safety and values.

To support continued learning beyond the workshop, every participant received a copy of the Girl, You Are a Treasure journal. The girls completed reflection activities, personal affirmations and a pledge built around three commitments: “Know your worth. Grow your gifts. Live your values.”

The outreach also revealed an opportunity to nurture the girls’ creative potential. About six participants identified story writing as one of their gifts, prompting GLTeens to announce a storybook-writing challenge. A publishing grant will be awarded to the best entry to support the winning girl in producing her first storybook.

Global Light Teens is seeking partners to support this opportunity through funding, editorial assistance, illustration, book production and mentorship, with the aim of helping the selected participant take her first steps as a published young writer.

Feedback from the workshop indicated that participants were leaving with greater confidence, a stronger awareness of their abilities and a better understanding of personal boundaries. The girls also expressed interest in further engagement, reinforcing the need for continued support beyond a single outreach.

GLTeens plans to build on the initiative through repeat school visits and online mentorship, creating opportunities for girls to continue exploring their interests, strengthening their skills and applying what they have learned. The organisation also has boy-focused programmes planned as part of its broader commitment to supporting adolescents.

The organisation acknowledged the support of LifeHub Global, Haven of the Hopeless Foundation, Daxx Academy and Buttersprings Media, alongside Christoline Schools and the volunteers who contributed to the successful delivery of the outreach.

Schools, mentors, publishers, organisations and individuals interested in supporting future TreasureHer workshops, learning resources, talent development and mentorship are invited to partner with Global Light Teens.

For partnership and media enquiries, contact Global Light Teens at globallightteens@gmail.com, visit globallightteens.org, or reach the organisation on +234 813 805 8244. GLTeens can also be found on social media at @globallightteens.