Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1540275
I-House partners with the Projects for Peace program to empower residents to put their global leadership skills into action in their home countries, providing funding to conduct peace-building initiatives during the summer. Backed by $10,000 grants, Excellence Joshua (IH 2023-24), Okechukwu Iroegbu (IH 2022-24) and Hussein Orekoya (IH 2023-24) led projects focused on digital empowerment, clean water access, and climate conflict mitigation. Digital Empowerment in Nigeria As the founder of a technology incubator in Nigeria, Excellence had empowered women economically through technology. However, in her mother's homeland of Anambra State, Excellence saw the need for a training program to help young men overcome poverty-driven crime. "With technology, opportunities are democratized," she explains. "You don't need to know somebody to make something good out of your life." While studying for her master's degree in development engineering and living at I-House, Excellence won a Projects for Peace grant to launch her Yatara Rucha training program. Last summer, 133 men participated in her four-week curriculum, which introduced digital skills and explored career pathways. Participants also engaged in life-enhancement sessions on personal branding, conflict mediation, and civic responsibility. This project was transformative for Excellence, who reflected, "True peace is achieved not just by removing conflict, but by empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities to build better futures. When we invest in people, we lay the foundation for lasting societal change and harmony." Transforming Communities Through Projects for Peace International House Berkeley | 2024-2025 Impact Report 14