“HarryCares:” It all started in Nigeria. I wanted better for myself and realized that I really can achieve anything I set my mind to and completely devote myself to. These moments, as captured in this photo, are why I do what I do. Here, I am passing on some of the tools and advice that led me to creating my own brighter and better future. The challenges with these youth are countless however, they always found a way to smile.

Above Photo: Emulating the Read to Achieve NBA Program

As a Peer Health Educator, I was part of a basketball Outreach Program with the Adolescent Health and Information Project (AHIP) in Nigeria from 2004-2009. My roles were as a mediator, a mentor, a leader and a peer health educator. I also participated in the Basketball 4 Peace program sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as an Ambassador for peace and conflict resolutionist in areas affected by religious conflicts and riots. In order for these positive experiences to be passed on to other youths, I developed “HarryCares” as a way to give back to the community and to the people who provided these opportunities which I continues to experience and benefit from.