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 , founded by Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa and with Olumide Ajiginni as CEO, 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:

Flagship Initiative: SDGs Leadership Resource Center

A cornerstone of YDI's commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and youth leadership is the SDGs Leadership Resource Center. Implemented from August 2015 to February 2022 at Ayedeere Ajibola Senior High School in Ketu, Lagos, this project focused on enhancing students' leadership abilities, fostering a passion for reading, and bridging educational inequalities. Its success is recognized on the UN's SDG Partnerships Platform.

Other Key Programs

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.

The SDGs Leadership Resource Center specifically aimed to empower students at Ayedeere Ajibola Senior High School and other beneficiaries including Indigenous Youths and women. Its success is uniquely evaluated by the number of young people who choose to actively engage in and accelerate one of the causes of the Sustainable Development Goals, using their available resources and current situations. This focus on cultivating proactive change-makers is a testament to YDI's deep commitment. 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.