It’s like a dream! I am trying to get used to the fact that Close the Gap Nigeria project is coming to an end. I have been through a lot of learning and my experiences are countless. I have worked with countless people, some of them I have never met. I must confess it has been an interesting experience being part of a team of young people change the world locally. Beneficiaries of this project are grateful-it shows allover their happy faces when its time for the weekly club meetings. State coordinators have discovered hidden potentials within them, they have found passion and pleasure in impacting knowledge on a generation very close to their’s.

The doors of opportunities have been wide for us; different state sites are gaining the recognition of big actors in the area of youth reproductive health and HIV&AIDS. Many more organizations have seen that it is possible to work in rural areas and make impact; Close the Gap Nigeria Project model is being adopted by many of them.
I must tell you, young people in this project have proved themselves worthy of trust, commitment, leadership, innovation and creativity.

I want to state very emphatically that this is the first of its kind in Nigeria, there has not been any Close the Gap Nigeria project ever. For the respect of GYCA Nigeria team that met on the 22nd of May 2008 to draft this idea and the zealous state coordinators who have worked relentlessly, I want to appeal that every organization or individual wanting to adopt this model acknowledges the work of this group. It will be unfair if this team is not appreciated.

Close the Gap Nigeria is being implemented in 12 states in Nigeria (a community each) and has touched the life of 210young people as at the last count in February. We have enjoyed adult partnerships in this project and the different clubs will be handed over to partner organization at the end of the project for sustainability. Young people are working!