Welcome to Mendaya
Where, Every Story Matters-Rewriting The Story of Boys The World Forgot!
Our programs ensure that boys affected by abuse, neglect, and violence are no longer invisible, offering them mentorship, psychosocial support, and a community that truly brings change in their most vulnerable stage.
Who we are
We Are Dreamers, Designers, And Changemakers
In a world that tells boys to be strong but never soft, millions grow up unseen, unheard, and carrying pain no one talks about.
MENDAYA was born to change that.
We are a creative hub working at the intersection of creative advocacy, sustainability and education in Northern Nigeria to break the “Boy Code”, challenge harmful ideas of masculinity, and build a future where every child, regardless of gender or background, thrives through creativity, empathy, and design.
Our Mandate
A future worth building, a mission worth pursuing, and a philosophy rooted in dignity and empathy.
Vision
A future where no child is broken by abuse, violence or neglect, and every child is educated, emotionally healthy, and empowered to live with dignity, dream and purpose.
Mision
To create safe and empowering spaces where boys affected by abuse, neglect, and violence feel seen, heard, and valued using creative arts, fashion design, sports and storytelling as tools. Through experiential circular design education and hands-on creative learning, they develop emotional intelligence, practical skills, and the tools to dream, create, and lead.
Philosophy
We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves the right to play, learn, thrive and live with dignity. We believe that true empowerment comes through agency. Empathy must lead to action, and action must create change. Learning and Growth can be fun and creative, not confined to a box of thinking and living.
WHAT WE DO
Building confidence, creative resilience and resourcefulness
ARTS
Sometimes, words are not enough. Through painting, drawing, and theatre play, we give boys the freedom to express what lives inside them, turning emotions into art, and art into advocacy. Every color tells a story; every brushstroke is a voice that finally feels seen.
DESIGN
Fashion design becomes tool for self-discovery and expression. Here, children bring their dreams to life,  crafting clothes, shoes, bags, toys, and whatever their imagination dares to explore. Using textile waste as their canvas, they learn that even what’s discarded can be made beautiful again.
SPORTS
Through cycling, skating, football, and playful challenges, we use movement to build teamwork, confidence, and joy. Sports at MENDAYA are more than games; they’re lessons in trust, resilience, and finding strength together.
STORYTELLING
Every story deserves to be heard. We create open spaces where boys share ideas and experiences through debates, talk shows, and spoken word poetry. Their voices spark conversations, challenging harmful stereotypes around masculinity and gender.
