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Three Days. New Skills. Bigger Dreams - TeenST 2026

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What happens when teenagers are given the space to learn, create, ask questions and discover what they can do? 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. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 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 Discove...

Episode 5: The Invitation

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"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' — Isaiah 6:8   Every vision reaches a point where it can no longer be carried by one person. Over the years, I have learned that Teen-Stars Skills Training is not just my assignment. It is a vision that God is raising people to be part of. Some will teach. Some will mentor. Some will sponsor. Some will pray. Some will simply share the message. Every contribution matters because every teenager matters. As we prepare for Teen-Stars Skills Training 2026, I invite you to become part of this story. Together, we can raise teenagers who know God, discover their purpose, develop valuable skills and become solutions to their generation. If this vision resonates with you, I invite you to stand with us. Together, we can build lives that will, in turn, build nations. Thank you for walking this journey with me. The road ends here... but the work is only beg...

Episode 4: Dear Teenagers

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"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example..." — 1 Timothy 4:12 Dear Teenager, Over the last eleven years, I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of you. Some of you were full of confidence. Some of you hid behind your smiles. Some of you believed in yourselves. Others had already concluded that your dreams were too big, your background too small, or your mistakes too many. I've listened to your fears, your questions, your struggles, and your dreams. I've watched you discover purpose, uncover hidden talents, and begin to see yourselves through a different lens. And every single time, I've been reminded of one truth: God created YOU for a PURPOSE . There is greatness within YOU . Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in them before they learn to believe in themselves. That is why this vision continues. Not because every challenge has been solved, but because there are still teenagers waiting for someone to r...

Episode 3: When Purpose Wasn't Enough

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"Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:17 As the years went by, I watched many teenagers discover purpose, believe in themselves, and begin to dream again. It was beautiful. But one question wouldn't leave my heart: How can a young person fulfill purpose without the skills to unlock their potential? Purpose gives direction, but skills create opportunities. Character opens doors, but competence helps you remain in the room. That burden gave birth to Teen-Star Skills Training (TeenST). What started as mentorship evolved into a platform where teenagers are equipped with practical, income-generating skills while continuing to build character, confidence, and purpose. By God's grace, over the last two editions, more than 100 teenagers have been trained and empowered through TeenST. As we prepare for the 2026 edition, we invite everyone who believes in the next generation to become part of this story. Whether through your prayers, time, expertise, ...

Episode 2: The Journey

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"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." — Zechariah 4:10 Every journey begins with one step. After saying "yes" to God's assignment, I didn't have a detailed roadmap. I simply started with the opportunities He placed before me: Schools. Churches. Youth programmes. Community gatherings. Wherever there were young people willing to listen, I showed up. One conversation became another. One school outreach led to another invitation. One teenager became many. Over the years, those little moments grew into something much bigger than I could have imagined. By God's grace, the BreakitDown Initiative has reached over 1,000 young people, helping them discover purpose, build character, and believe in the potential God has placed within them. Yet, as fulfilling as the journey was, I couldn't ignore one question that kept stirring in my heart... Was purpose alone enough? That question would change everything. Have yo...

Episode 1: The Assignment

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  Every vision has a beginning. Mine began one Sunday afternoon in March 2018, during my NYSC in Sokoto. Although I had always loved working with children and teenagers, that afternoon was different because God made the assignment personal. He placed a burden in my heart: "To raise morally upright, purpose-driven teenagers by laying the right foundation, helping them discover their God-given potential, and equipping them to fulfill their purpose." From that moment, I began looking for every opportunity to speak to young people. Whether in schools, churches, or youth gatherings, I shared the same message of purpose, identity, values, and becoming who God created them to be. What started as a burden soon became a lifestyle. It was no longer just something I loved doing; it had become my calling. Looking back today, I never imagined that one act of obedience would grow into a vision that has impacted so many lives. And this was only the beginning... To be continued. #RoadToTeenS...
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"The Lord has spoken once; twice have I heard this..." — Psalm 62:11 Some visions are built over time. For 11 years, God has entrusted us with the vision of raising purpose-driven teenagers through the BreakItDown Initiative. By His grace, we have impacted over 1,000 young people through mentorship, school outreaches, conferences, and life-transforming conversations. As the vision grew, Teen-Star Skills Training was born, and over the last two editions, we have equipped 100+ teenagers with practical, income-generating skills. Now, the vision continues. As we prepare for Teen-Star Skills Training 2026, we invite partners, sponsors, volunteers, mentors, vendors, and everyone who believes in the next generation to join us. Whether through your prayers, time, skills, resources, or financial support, you can help shape a young person's future. Together, let's raise morally upright, purpose-driven teenagers equipped with practical skills for life. The Vision Continues. More...

New Year New Me (Unleash the Winner Within You Part 3)

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Chapter Three: The Power of Communication   As I continued reading Unleash the Winner Within You by Coach Sherry Winn, Chapter Three made me pause in a different way. I expected lessons on ambition and drive. What I did not expect was to be quietly challenged about something as simple as listening. This chapter focuses on communication, and one truth stood out immediately. Most of us are not really listening in conversations. We are waiting. Waiting for a pause so we can say what we have already planned in our minds. The moment I read this, I could think of several times I had done the same thing. Listening Versus Waiting to Talk The book shares a simple but powerful story about a man named Joe. He was asked to help with a basic address change, but instead of listening, he kept asking unrelated questions about things like fires and moving trucks. It sounds almost funny, until you realize how often we do the same thing. We hear words, but miss the message. This reminds u...

New Year New Me (Unleash the Winner Within You Part 2)

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  Chapter Two:  Welcome Your Challenges As I continued reading Unleash the Winner Within You by Coach Sherry Winn, Chapter Two delivered a strong reminder that growth and comfort rarely exist in the same place. This chapter is all about how we respond when things do not go our way. Do we get angry, discouraged, or tempted to give up when challenges show up on our path to our goals. Or do we learn to see challenges as part of the process. Coach Winn explains that successful people do not wait for luck. They plan, prepare, and position themselves for opportunity. When challenges appear, they do not let them defeat them. Instead, they allow challenges to stimulate them. A challenge becomes a motivator and an opportunity to rise to a higher level. One powerful mindset shift from this chapter is simple. The next time you face a difficult obstacle, instead of complaining, you can choose to say, here is my opportunity. Discomfort often comes with personal growth. If you are n...

New Year, New Me (Unleash the Winner Within You)

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CHAPTER ONE: THE WIN PHILOSOPHY This year, as part of our New Year, New Me journey, I decided to be more intentional about what I read and how I apply it.  One of the books I’m currently reading is Unleash the Winner Within You by Coach Sherry Winn , and honestly, Chapter One already hit differently.  The main message?  Winning doesn’t just happen. It’s built—one mindset, one habit, and one decision at a time. (Now Let’s BreakItDown) Coach Winn introduces something called the WIN Philosophy , and it’s not as complicated as it sounds. It’s simply about what separates those who only dream from those who actually win.  W – Widen the Separator’s Gap A separator is that thing that makes you different from the average person. It’s not talent alone—it’s character, discipline, and consistency . Separators don’t just talk about their dreams. They act—even when it’s uncomfortable. They’re willing to work harder, stay committed longer, and stand out when everyone else is ble...

FAILING FORWARD

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  #LetsCommunicate_BreakItDown How can one make an enemy a friend? It is so difficult to see the benefit in it. John Maxwell says… “If you repeatedly use your failures as springboards to success, then failure can become your best friend.” Teachability is an attitude, a mindset that says “no matter how much I know (or think I know), I can learn from this situation.” This kind of thinking can help you turn adversity into advantage. It can make you a winner even during the most difficult circumstances. Some people never understand that “their attitude towards failure would determine their altitude after failure.” (JM) “Our ability to learn from mistakes has value not just in business, but in all aspects of life. If you live to learn, then you will really learn to live,” says John Maxwell. Remember Proverbs 24:16: “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Failing is not final; rising again is proof of strength. Let us learn to fail forward, grow wiser, and keep moving. ...

Freedom Is Possible – A Message of Hope and Strength

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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be part of a powerful panel discussion on Overcoming Addiction hosted by AYF Ibusa Archdeaconry. It was more than just a conversation; it was a reminder that no matter how deep the struggle, freedom is possible. I and others shared real-life experiences, answered questions from young people searching for hope, and listened as the guest speaker Revd. Chijioke Egbosimba broke down the truth about addiction, how it starts, how it traps, and how, by God’s grace, it can be broken. So here’s your Monday motivation: ✅ No chain is too strong for God to break. ✅ Your story is still being written. ✅ Don’t give up on yourself. ✅ One step at a time, you can break free. Whether it’s addiction, doubt, fear, or anything else you are struggling with, you are not alone, and you are not stuck. Keep going for "You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you".  #MondayMotivation #OvercomingAddiction #FaithToOvercome #KeepGoing #NewWeekNewYou #BreakFr...

Empowering the Next Generation: Teen-Star Skills Training 2025 by Christabel Ebhonu, Convener of BreakitDown Initiative Foundation in Collaboration with Basilica of Divine Grace, Nibo, Awka South, Anambra State.

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"Living with Purpose: Making the Most of My Teenage Years". That was the theme that echoed through the hearts of over 75 teenagers who participated in the 2025 edition of the Teen-Stars Skills Training, a two-day transformative event held on the 29th and 30th of August 2025 at Basilica of Divine Grace, Nibo. The programme was organized by BreakitDown Initiative Foundation in collaboration with Basilica of Divine Grace, Nibo, Awka South, Anambra State . The event commenced with registration at 9:30 am, followed by an opening prayer and a warm welcome address by Mrs. Uyai-Abasi Anigbogu. Reverend Ejike Asogwa, curate of the host church, delivered a brief but impactful charge, setting the tone for a day of learning, reflection, and empowerment. Day One: Purpose, Purity, and Personal Growth The first session, facilitated by Mrs. Uyai-Abasi Anigbogu, focused on decision-making in career paths. She encouraged teenagers to pursue clarity and personal conviction in their future ...

REGISTRATION FOR THE TEEN-STARS SKILLS TRAINING

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 Good morning and Happy New Month!  It's 28 days to the Teen-Stars Skills Training (TeenST) a program designed to equip teenagers with purpose, confidence, and hands-on skills that will shape their future. Do you know a teenager in Nibo or Awka, Anambra State? #ShareThisLink and don't let them miss this power-packed program!  https://forms.gle/NpYZSkbPCkmv7xoM9 Best part? Registration is FREE! Also, if you believe in the power of impact, I invite you to support this vision in kind, in cash, or in prayers. Nothing is too small, and everything adds up. Together, we can catch them young and help them grow with a purpose-driven mindset!!! Thank you always for standing with me. Let’s make August count.  Christabel Ebhonu Convener

WHY PARTNER WITH US FOR TEENST 2025?

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The journey started with empowering youth, then it progressed to catching them young. In 2017, we began by visiting secondary schools with a mission to ignite purpose. Through our Purpose-Driven Mindset Campaign, we reached out to teenagers who were unsure about their future. Many of them found clarity and confidence. One of them, shared how those early mentorship moments helped him begin to dream again. Today, he’s actively pursuing personal growth and volunteering to mentor others. By 2024, the first edition of the Teen-Stars Skills Training officially kicked off. That year, one of our participants, shared how the program made her believe in her creativity again. “I used to doubt myself,” she said, “but now, I feel like I can do anything.” Greatness feedback after the training, was: “This is more than training. It’s eye-opening. I’m ready to take steps to learn more.” Then there’s Chinenye, a vibrant 12-year-old who joined the maiden edition and took part in the baking class. Today...

Teen-Stars Skills Training: Empowering the Next Generation Through Practical Skills

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  The recently concluded Teen-Stars Skills Training held at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ibusa, Delta State, was a vibrant, purpose-driven event designed to empower teenagers with hands-on skills and a mindset rooted in purpose and growth. Christabel Ebhonu , a multimedia expert and teens coach, expressed gratitude to all who supported the vision — participants, partners, and the organizing team. She described the event, which took place on August 21, 2024, as a great success and thanked God for its outcome. The training was organized by BreakitDown Initiative for Teens in collaboration with the Anglican Children’s Ministry (ACM), Ibusa Zone . Over 100 adolescents registered, with 65 in attendance. Participants chose from three key skill areas: Baking , ICT , and Photography . The event was graced by notable figures, including Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia (Archdeacon of Ibusa Archdeaconry), Celestine Adimabua Okocha (ACM Zonal Chaplain), Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian),...