Three Days. New Skills. Bigger Dreams - TeenST 2026
Something changes.
For three days, from August 27–29, 2026, over 80 teenagers gathered at St. James Anglican Church, Ubulu-Unor, Delta State, for Teen-Stars Skills Training (TeenST) 2026, organised by the BreakItDown Initiative in collaboration with St. James Anglican Church.
It was three days filled with conversations, practical learning, creativity, laughter and plenty of moments of discovery.
Want to see what those three days looked like?
Watch the TeenST 2026 Facebook Live and experience some of the moments for yourself.
It started with life beyond the classroom
Before the cameras came out and the baking began, the teenagers were encouraged to think about the choices that shape their lives.
Sessions covered Making Wise Career Choices, Healthy Relationships and Sexual Purity, Living in Christ as a Teenager, Building a Positive Digital Identity, and Discovering the Greatness Within Me.
The journey began with prayers led by Mrs. Uyai-Abasi Anibogu, Co-Partner of the BreakItDown Initiative, who also facilitated the session on Making Wise Career Choices.
One message stood out from the very beginning.
“You are not here by accident. There is something inside you; there is potential within you…”
For TeenST Convener and Co-Founder of the BreakItDown Initiative, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu, the programme was about helping teenagers recognise that potential and begin making choices that support the future they want.
Other sessions brought conversations that matter deeply at this stage of their lives. Ms. Dara Etuk facilitated Healthy Relationships and Sexual Purity, while Mrs. Adediwura Olaibi spoke on Living in Christ as a Teenager. Mr. Abiola Olaibi led the session on Building a Positive Digital Identity, while Mrs. Ebhonu also facilitated Discovering the Greatness Within Me.
TeenST wasn't just about listening.
The teenagers got to do.
They explored Photography, ICT, Baking and Healthy Drink Making, working under the guidance of experienced facilitators.
Cameras were handled. Recipes were tested. Computers became creative tools. Drinks were mixed.
Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu guided the Photography training, while Mr. Abiola Olaibi led the ICT session. Sandra Ugummandu took the teenagers through Baking, while Kosisochukwu Nriagu facilitated Healthy Drink Making.
For many of the participants, these weren't just classes; they were opportunities to discover interests they may never have explored before.
The ICT session went a step further, challenging participants to identify everyday problems and think about how technology could help create solutions.
Because learning a skill is one thing.
Learning to think differently is another.
At the end of the practical sessions, outstanding participants were recognised.
Stephen Miracle stood out in Photography, while Nwaokolo Isabella and Obi Gift were recognised in Baking.
Obie Chidiebube Praise emerged as an outstanding participant in Healthy Drink Making, and Isaac David was recognised in ICT.
But there was more.
Two outstanding participants from the Baking Class were selected for an additional six-week training opportunity, fully sponsored by the BreakItDown Initiative.
That is what makes the experience more meaningful.
The goal isn't simply to introduce teenagers to skills for three days.
It is to give them opportunities to keep growing.
At the closing ceremony, Founder of the BreakItDown Initiative, Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu, reminded the teenagers of one powerful truth:
“Purpose is Everything.”
And really, that message captured TeenST perfectly.
Because behind every camera, every recipe, every computer and every new skill is a bigger question:
Who can I become?
The Vision Continues: Bigger and Better
TeenST 2026 recorded 78 participants on Day One, 86 on Day Two and 75 on Day Three.
But beyond the numbers are teenagers who were given the chance to explore, create, learn and believe a little more in themselves.
Three days may seem short.
But sometimes, one opportunity is all it takes to start something.
And TeenST is only getting started.
Wow!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! A wonderful experience these teens would have had.
Thank you, Chris.