Shem Afyenaku is a passionate youth leader and child rights advocate committed to ending violence against children across Nigeria. As the Program Coordinator for Suburbancares, he leads initiatives that align with SDGs 3, 4, and 16 by promoting mental well-being, safe learning environments, and justice for children. Through the Suburbancares End Violence Against Children (EVAC) Project, Shem and his team have reached over 3,000 students and educators in schools across northern and western Nigeria with awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and peer advocacy training sessions.

Under his coordination, Suburbancares has organized impactful community dialogues, trauma awareness events, and the “Empowering Voices: Ending Silence” campaign, which amplifies survivor voices and builds collective responsibility to protect children. He also mentors youth advocates through the First Youth Initiative, fostering civic engagement and leadership among young people.

Despite challenges such as limited resources, stigma, and cultural silence around child abuse, Shem continues to innovate, launching digital advocacy drives, storytelling campaigns, and collaborative school-based prevention models. His work has inspired partnerships with educators, community leaders, and social workers to create safer spaces for children to thrive.

Through his dedication, Shem Afyenaku exemplifies how youth leadership can drive sustainable impact, transforming awareness into action and shaping a future where every child is safe, valued, and heard.