Since our establishment in 2024, Back to Base Initiative for Vulnerable People has worked in communities across Nigeria to promote justice, restore dignity, and empower the most marginalized. From conflict-affected regions and displacement camps to rural communities with limited access to services, we’ve walked alongside survivors of trauma, advocates for inclusion, and families striving to rebuild their lives.
These experiences have not only shaped our work — they’ve taught us invaluable lessons. Here are some of the most important insights we’ve gained from the field:
1. Listening is the First Step to Healing
One of the most powerful things we’ve learned is that people want to be heard. Vulnerable groups — including survivors of gender-based violence, internally displaced persons, and persons living with disabilities — often feel invisible in systems that overlook their stories.
Before implementing any program, we prioritize community consultations and survivor-led feedback. This approach not only builds trust but ensures our interventions are relevant and respectful. Listening creates space for healing — and for real, people-centered impact.
2. Empowerment Is More Sustainable Than Charity
Providing immediate relief is important, but long-term transformation requires empowerment, not dependency. We’ve seen how training young people in skills, supporting women with livelihoods, and building leadership capacity among community advocates leads to ripple effects that last for generations.
When people are equipped with tools, knowledge, and confidence, they become agents of change in their communities. True impact happens when people are not just supported — they are empowered.
3. Mental Health Support Must Be Prioritized
Trauma runs deep, and many of the individuals we serve carry emotional scars that are rarely addressed. Over time, we’ve learned that healing is not just physical — it’s psychological. Whether it’s a survivor of sexual violence or a young person displaced by conflict, mental health support is crucial.
That’s why Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is integrated into nearly all our programs. Safe spaces, counseling, group healing dialogues, and community support structures are not extras — they are essentials.
4. Inclusion is Not Optional — It’s Foundational
Inclusion is more than a buzzword. It’s the foundation for justice. We’ve learned that real progress cannot happen when voices are left out — especially those of women, people with disabilities, displaced individuals, and minority groups.
Inclusive programming means accessible venues, materials in multiple formats, female-led initiatives, and community leadership that reflects the population. When everyone is at the table, the outcomes are stronger, more just, and more sustainable.
5. Collaboration Strengthens Impact
Working in silos limits reach and effectiveness. Our most impactful programs have come through partnerships with local NGOs, traditional leaders, youth networks, government agencies, and international organizations.
Collaboration allows us to leverage strengths, scale up solutions, and avoid duplication. Most importantly, it reflects our belief that no one can do this work alone. Building justice and dignity is a shared responsibility.
6. Change Takes Time — But Every Step Matters
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Systems of exclusion, injustice, and trauma are complex and deeply rooted. We’ve learned to celebrate small wins: a girl returning to school, a survivor speaking out, a village coming together for reconciliation.
These moments remind us that every step forward — no matter how small — is a victory.
Our work on the ground continues to shape who we are and how we serve. These lessons are not just insights — they are principles guiding our daily commitment to justice, dignity, and empowerment.
At Back to Base Initiative, we will continue to listen, learn, and evolve as we walk with Nigeria’s most vulnerable — not just to meet needs, but to unlock potential.
📢 Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, policymaker, or passionate citizen, your role matters.
Support our work, amplify our message, or simply start a conversation where you are.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from serving others or being in a community?
We’d love to hear your story.