Twenty-one young boys recently graduated from the inaugural Creative Summer School for Boys, a two-week intensive programme in Lagos designed to equip them with creative skills and mentorship opportunities.
Organised by Debra’s Palace Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young boys, the Creative Summer School offered participants a space for self-expression, personal growth, and skill development. This initiative is part of Debra’s Palace’s ongoing Boy Child Conversation Project, which addresses the unique challenges young boys face.
The programme covered digital skills such as photography, cinematography, editing, graphic design, content creation, and sound production. Additionally, participants learned life skills like time and anger management, financial literacy, and social etiquette, helping them navigate today’s dynamic world.
Supported by sponsors such as MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), MADHouse, and Abbey Mortgage Bank, the programme aimed to address the high dropout rates among male students in Lagos public schools. Earlier this year, Debra’s Palace hosted a film screening for 70 boys from various public schools, sparking their interest in creative fields, which led to the launch of this summer school.
At the graduation event, Debra’s Palace founder and programme director, Mrs. Damilola Chinedu, explained the inspiration behind the programme: “The Boy Child Conversation Project started five years ago to bridge the gap in mentorship and support for young boys. While empowering girls is essential, it’s equally important to ask who is guiding the boys to grow into their best selves for society.”
Over the two weeks, boys aged 14 to 21 engaged in hands-on training across multiple creative fields, including photography, cinematography, sound production, graphic design, content creation, and editing. In addition to technical skills, participants benefited from mentorship sessions with prominent figures such as Ali Baba, Seun Ajayi, and Ifeanyi Akogwu, who shared life lessons and personal experiences. “Our mentors brought immense value, helping the boys appreciate the importance of learning from both successes and mistakes,” Mrs. Chinedu noted.
Abbey Mortgage Bank sponsored the financial literacy sessions, teaching the boys the importance of good savings habits and the risks of gambling. Etiquette and other social skills were also part of the curriculum, aiming to shape well-rounded young men. The programme concluded with practical opportunities for real-world experience, as the top 10 performers were offered internships with prominent creative firms in Lagos.
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Mrs. Chinedu expressed optimism about future support and funding. “Seeing these boys transform from shy, reserved individuals to confident young men has been incredibly rewarding. We hope to reach even more boys next year,” she said.
Akaoma Onyeonoru, Program Manager at MultiChoice Talent Factory, emphasised the importance of early exposure to creative skills, noting that it can guide young people toward careers in the creative industry. “If you engage a child early, they’re more likely to build their future around their passions,” Onyeonoru remarked, adding that MTF supports its alumni through an aftercare programme to keep them connected to the industry and provide access to resources and collaborations.
The mentorship programme will extend beyond the two-week training, pairing each boy with an industry professional to foster continued growth. “Mentorship is crucial. With a mentor, you benefit from their experiences, learning from their achievements and avoiding their mistakes,” Onyeonoru explained.
Affiong Okpo, Head of Brand and Communication at Abbey Mortgage Bank, highlighted the bank’s dedication to supporting educational and creative initiatives. “We believe that combining education with creative skills helps develop well-rounded individuals,” Okpo stated. Abbey Mortgage Bank has been a primary supporter of the programme, contributing to various educational and artistic initiatives for young people.
MADHouse by Tikera Africa’s Communication Engagement Manager, Yolanda Akinola, added that their facility aims to blend traditional knowledge with modern practices, fostering a meaningful convergence within Nigeria’s creative community.
