In Nigeria, where social challenges intersect with educational gaps, Maria Ukamaka Okeke (IHM) stands as a beacon of hope for the youth.
With over two decades of dedication to education and social justice advocacy, Maria has pioneered transformative initiatives to empower Nigerian youth.
Maria Ukamaka Okeke, a religious sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ religious institute and an experienced educational leader, is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in the Educational Leadership Programme at DePaul University.
She has established herself as a passionate advocate for equity and justice within school communities.
Maria’s journey began as a trained educationist, emphasising administration and mentoring, and throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to raising awareness of social justice issues in schools and communities, empowering students to become agents of positive change.
Maria’s efforts have been instrumental in coordinating the Holy Childhood Programme locally, regionally, and nationally and establishing youth social justice initiatives community by community.
In a recent interview, Maria delved into the core concepts underpinning her programme’s approach to positive youth development (PYD).
The programme focuses on the 3Cs + RE framework—connection, confidence, character, resilience, and empathy—as foundational pillars for achieving its goals. These concepts collectively contribute to fostering social contribution among youth.
Externally focused concepts like connection and empathy facilitate activities and experiences that promote understanding and empathy towards marginalised individuals, while internally oriented aspects like confidence, character, and resilience empower youth to navigate challenges and contribute positively to society.
Maria elaborated on how the programme aligns with research on positive youth development and social justice literature, emphasising the significance of youth contribution at various levels—self, others, community, and society. The programme aims to inspire youth to become agents of positive change by promoting civic participation, leadership initiatives, and supportive relationships.
In a country where educational opportunities for youth are sometimes limited due to dropout and mental health challenges, Maria’s programme offers a lifeline, providing resources and support for youth to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through civic participation, activism, and community engagement, Maria envisions a future where Nigerian youth are empowered to address social injustices effectively.