Patience has three years of experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Bachelor’s of Art in History and International Studies from the University of Jos Nigeria. Passionate about spoken word poetry and the place of art as a tool for social change, she founded a nonprofit organization, Custodians of African Literature (COAL). COAL is an organization that promotes African Literature by providing expressive and creative platforms for writers and artists in various communities to express themselves on what they see as community challenges and how to find practical solutions. She was given an award of recognition from the Plateau Authors Group for COAL’s literary development in Plateau State. As a radio broadcaster, Patience uses her platform to advocate for the girl child’s right to education, the need for gender balance and parity in all sectors, youth leadership development and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. She also volunteers with the BIHA Project and contributes towards addressing the challenge of child abuse and illegal human trafficking of persons in Nigeria by giving victims a voice and supporting them through the healing process. The Alliance Francaise De Jos and Tapsey Events recognized Patience in 2017 for her contributions to social development through Spoken word Poetry and the COAL Community Outreach Initiatives in and around Plateau State. Through these experiences, Patience developed strong project management and implementation skills. Patience is very interested in broadcasting, creative writing, civic engagement, entrepreneurial development, social and gender issues.
Host Org: Teen Empowerment
Fellow role at Teen Empowerment: Patience will serve as a Boston Program Coordinator Fellow and will primarily focus on direct youth work including daily intensive group facilitation with teens working as TE Youth Organizers. She will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of a TE Youth Organizing Site.