My Journey with DoTheDream YDI
I’m Joshua T. Berglan, Vice President of Growth and Development at DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative (YDI) , and I’m passionate about amplifying a movement that’s transforming lives in Nigeria and beyond. As an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, and founder of The World’s Mayor Experience , I’ve overcome addiction, trauma, and setbacks to turn pain into purpose. YDI’s mission to empower youth through education, gender equality, and innovation resonates deeply with my calling to uplift others. I’ve seen their impact firsthand—young lives changed, dreams ignited—and I’m inviting you to join me in building a brighter future. Read my full story.
About DoTheDream YDI
Since 2005, DoTheDream YDI has been a non-governmental, non-religious non-profit empowering youth through education, media, and technology. Guided by the SINCERE principles—Sacrifice, Innovation, Nurturing, Credibility, Empowerment, Resilience, and Excellence—their vision is “Building the Youths for Sustainable Development.”
“Building voices to be heard for inclusiveness, inspiration, innovations, and inventions; reaching diverse groups and indigenous communities; accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through localization for people and planet.”
Global Affiliations
- Special consultative status with ECOSOC since 2023.
- Accredited to UNEP/UNEA , UN HABITAT-WUC , CRPD , and World Bank Group – Civil Society.
- Member of CoNGO , SDSN , and INC ; signatory of SEFORALL.
- Participated in the UN Civil Society Conference and upcoming Summit of the Future (September 2024).
- Collaborates with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Endorsements
Recognized by Councillor Yemi Adenuga, the first Black Councillor of the Republic of Ireland, and backed by global leaders, YDI’s impact is undeniable.
Life-Changing Programs
As Vice President of Growth and Development, I’m inspired by how DoTheDream YDI unlocks potential. Here’s how they’re transforming lives:
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Girls in Energy Project | Empowers 300+ girls in engineering and tech, creating solutions like lime-powered electricity. |
| Girls Are Asset Project | Conferences inspire girls to embrace their worth and lead. |
| Read to Build Project | Six annual episodes foster a love for reading, impacting students term by term. |
| Leadership Library & Seminars | Builds communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills for teens. |
| Entrepreneurship Training | Turns ideas into businesses with grants, loans, and mentorship. |
| Technical/Vocational Skills | Provides hands-on training for real-world success. |
| 16 Days of GBV | Combats gender-based violence, promoting safer communities. |
Impact That Moves Me
DoTheDream YDI has reached over 29,600 students since 2005, with a 2024/2025 goal to impact 14,789 more Nigerian youth through library upgrades and 460 scholarships. The Girls in Energy Project has empowered 301 girls across four projects, like waste-to-wealth innovations. I’ve seen a girl who doubted herself design community solutions and a boy who felt lost lead with purpose. These stories fuel my commitment to this mission.
Note: Some metrics may need updating. Contact admin@dothedreamydi.org.
Maximum Impact
At DoTheDream YDI , we aim for maximum impact by addressing the diverse needs of Nigerian youth and communities. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Kids to School | Ensures underprivileged children have access to education by providing school supplies and support. |
| Donation of Books | Supplies books to schools and libraries, fostering a love for reading and learning among students. |
| Donations of Computers | Equips schools with computers to bridge the digital divide and enhance tech education. |
| Infrastructure Upgrade | Improves school facilities, creating better learning environments for students and teachers. |
| Scholarship To Universities | Provides scholarships to deserving students, enabling access to higher education. |
| Skills to Service | Through our Entrepreneurship Empowerment program, we train youth in vocational skills, turning talents into sustainable careers. |
| Tech4Impact | Also part of Entrepreneurship Empowerment , this initiative leverages technology to drive innovation and community solutions. |
| Excursion, Exhibition | Organizes educational trips and exhibitions, often tied to our School Farm program, to inspire creativity and practical learning. |
| Community Development | Supports local communities through initiatives like the Home Farm project, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable living. |
| Water4Good | Ensures access to clean water in communities, often integrated with Home Farm efforts, to support health and agriculture. |
Join the Movement
Having turned adversity into advocacy, I know the power of belief. DoTheDream YDI needs dreamers like you to keep this momentum going. Here’s how to get involved:
- Donate: Fund scholarships at dothedreamydi.org.
- Volunteer: Share your skills to empower youth.
- Advocate: Champion inclusion and gender equality.
- Partner: Collaborate for greater impact.
Contact: dodedream@gmail.com | +234 0803-951-3286 | +1 410 369-8525
Address: 3rd Floor, 8 Sanyaoolu Street, Off Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos, Nigeria
Inquiries: Rose Thomas