Building a Generation of Servant Leaders
JDI invests in the next generation of change-makers — equipping young Nigerians with the skills, mindset, and real-world experience to lead transformative change in their communities.
Our Programmes
Programmes driving the change.
Leadership Exchange Programme (LEP)
Building a Generation of Servant Leaders for Social Impact
Many young people possess the passion to create change but lack access to structured opportunities that build leadership capacity, civic responsibility, and practical experience in the development sector. The Leadership Exchange (LEP) was created to bridge this gap by linking training with direct community engagement. Launched in 2020 as an annual experiential learning programme, LEP is designed to equip young people aged 18–35 with practical leadership and community development skills while providing them with real-world volunteering experience. The programme targets young people aged 18–35 and combines structured training with hands-on placement in partner organisations.
LEP follows a learn–serve–lead model that blends capacity building with practical application. Participants first undergo intensive training on servant leadership principles, community development and social impact, and volunteerism and civic engagement. After training, participants are matched with host organisations where they serve as volunteers for an agreed period, gaining hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to ongoing projects and programmes. This dual structure ensures that learning is immediately translated into practice. The LEP has demonstrated that experiential learning significantly accelerates youth development — participants not only gain skills but also develop a deeper sense of civic responsibility and service.
- LEP 2020 — FCT (Self-funded)
- LEP 2021 — FCT (Funded by the US Department of State)
- LEP 2025 — Kogi (Funded by the US Department of State)
- Learn–serve–lead model combining training with live volunteer placement
- Participants matched with host organisations for hands-on experience
- 50+ youths engaged in structured leadership development
- Improved youth capacity in leadership, teamwork, and community engagement
- Real community projects delivered by programme participants
- A growing alumni network of committed servant leaders
- JDI aims to expand LEP by increasing host organisations and scaling participant intake