About Us – YCC

About Youth Competence Center

Youth Competence Center community programme

Youth Competence Center (YCC) is a non-governmental organisation based in Akure, Nigeria, dedicated to promoting education and reducing rural poverty. Since our establishment in 2009, we have worked to empower young people and rural communities through skills development, sustainable agriculture, and access to economic opportunities.

With 107 members — mostly young adults — we operate a functional organisational structure that delivers programmes across education, agriculture, micro-credit, ICT, and youth empowerment. Our approach is rooted in community participation and capacity building, ensuring that the people we serve become agents of their own development.

YCC is registered with the United Nations Civil Society and works in partnership with government agencies, international donors, and local communities to advance sustainable development goals, particularly universal primary education, poverty eradication, and global partnerships for development.

At the heart of YCC is our belief that young people are the most powerful force for sustainable change. Our youth engagement programmes create opportunities for leadership, volunteering, and skills acquisition that prepare the next generation of community leaders.

Through our volunteer programmes, sports for peace initiatives, and cooperative development projects, we bring young people together across ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic divides to work toward shared goals.

Learn more about our volunteering and youth engagement opportunities.

Our vision

A society where every young person has access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable community development — free from the constraints of rural poverty.

Our mission

To promote education and reduce rural poverty by empowering young people and rural communities through skills training, sustainable agricultural practices, micro-credit facilities, and community development programmes that build self-reliance and dignity.

Our policies

Our history

Youth Competence Center was established in 2009 in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, with a small group of passionate young people committed to addressing educational inequality and rural poverty in their communities.

In 2016, YCC was formally registered as a non-governmental organisation, expanding our reach and formalising our programmes. Over the years, we have grown from a local initiative to an organisation with international recognition, including registration with the United Nations Civil Society database.

Today, YCC operates across Nigeria with an international scope, partnering with donors, government agencies, and community organisations to deliver impactful programmes in education, agriculture, micro-credit, and youth empowerment. Our headquarters remains in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Our commitments

YCC is committed to and works with others who are committed to:

Education for all — ensuring every child and young person has access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of background or location

Poverty eradication — building sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, micro-credit, and skills training in rural communities

Youth empowerment — developing the competence, confidence, and leadership of young people as agents of change

Community development — strengthening local institutions, cooperatives, and social cohesion for lasting impact

How YCC works

YCC operates a functional organisational structure with dedicated teams for each programme area, ensuring efficient delivery and accountability.

Programme Teams — Our education, agriculture, micro-credit, and youth empowerment teams design and implement community-based projects with clear objectives and monitoring frameworks.

The Board and Management provides strategic direction and governance, ensuring transparency and adherence to our mission.
The Headquarters is located in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, coordinating all programmes and partnerships across the country and beyond.

Our 107 members — mostly young adults — form the backbone of our organisation, contributing their skills, energy, and local knowledge to every initiative.

YCC community work