People of mixed ages in relaxed conversation in a bright community space in Lagos

From Empowerment to Action

Strengthening Communities for a Full Life

Integrated programmes across six thematic areas: mental health, gender protection, education, economic empowerment, migration, and digital inclusion.

6

Programmes active

12

Communities served

500+

People reached

60

Persons trained

1

Scholarship awarded

Figures for the current programme cycle. The earlier reach of our predecessor organisation is documented in Our Roots.

Training in partnership with JOOPSA

Behind the numbers

Training in partnership with JOOPSA

Patient communication and first aid training delivered for the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, under our Save a Life Initiative certification from the Disque Foundation.

Three Sheerah Verenda colleagues in conversation at the organisation’s offices

“Verenda” evokes the veranda, a gathering place where people share stories, find support, and build community.

Registered 2013 · Renamed 2025 · Lagos, Nigeria

Who We Are

A Platform for Community Wellbeing, Action, and Narrative Change

Sheerah Verenda Full Life Initiative Ltd/GTE is a Nigerian social impact organisation dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through integrated development programmes that promote dignity, wellbeing, and opportunity.

We work at the intersection of community-based programmes, systems thinking, and storytelling, recognising that lasting change requires addressing the interconnected realities people face rather than isolated problems.

Founded from earlier work in family counselling and violence prevention through the Initiative for Sustaining Family Unity, we have grown into a broader platform that combines direct programme delivery with narrative change: amplifying voices, reducing stigma, and shaping more compassionate communities.

  • 01Community-Based ProgrammesDirect service delivery within communities.
  • 02Systems ThinkingAddressing interconnected root causes of vulnerability.
  • 03Storytelling & Narrative ChangeAmplifying lived experiences to shape social understanding.

How We Work

An Integrated Ecosystem Approach

At Sheerah Verenda, we recognise that social challenges are interconnected. Our work responds to the full realities people face, combining direct programme interventions, community engagement, and narrative change platforms that shape understanding, reduce stigma, and promote inclusive social attitudes.

01

Community-Based Programmes

We deliver direct services within communities: counselling, awareness, training, and economic support, meeting people where they are.

Explore

02

Systems Thinking

We address the interconnected root causes of vulnerability, not just the visible symptoms, so that change is sustainable and lasting.

Explore

03

Storytelling & Narrative Change

Through Unsilenced Voices That Matter and community platforms, we amplify lived experiences to reshape social norms and reduce stigma.

Explore

Our Programmes

Explore Our Flagship Programmes

Six interconnected programmes, one vision: stronger communities where people can thrive with dignity, wellness, and purpose.

View all programmes

For Sisterz Only programme logo

Gender Equality & Protection

For Sisterz Only

Safe spaces giving women and girls sisterhood, mentorship, and support to heal and grow.

SDG 5SDG 10
Learn more
A psychosocial support group seated in a circle, one participant speaking while the others listen

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support

Verenda Wellness

Community-based mental health and psychosocial support that builds emotional resilience.

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An informed mobility briefing, a facilitator answering questions from a seated audience

Migration & Reintegration

Safe Journeys

Safe migration awareness and support so young people can make informed choices.

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Women of a food cooperative packing sealed containers into crates and checking them against a ledger

Economic Empowerment

Verenda Shared Kitchens

Community kitchens strengthening food security, nutrition, and women’s enterprise.

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A community legal literacy session, a lawyer explaining rights to residents

Gender Equality & Protection

Justice Access Hub

Legal aid, rights awareness, and pathways to justice for vulnerable people.

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Sixth-form students working together during a study session

Education & Youth Development

Education Support Initiative

Exam registration support, mentorship, and resources that keep students in school.

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Narrative change

Unsilenced Voices That Matter

Our podcast and storytelling platform, the seventh strand that runs through every programme.

Listen and watch

Our Alignment with the Global Goals

Aligned to the goals that matter most to our communities

Our programmes align with eight of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, covering dignity, wellbeing, education, equality, justice, and partnership.

Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty

No Poverty

Livelihoods and enterprise support reduce economic vulnerability.

Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing

Good Health & Wellbeing

Mental health and psychosocial support strengthen resilience.

Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education

Quality Education

Education support removes barriers to learning and completion.

Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Safe spaces, leadership, protection, and justice access support women and girls.

Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Enterprise training and cooperative models create sustainable livelihoods.

Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities

Every pillar works to close the gaps that keep people excluded.

Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

Rights awareness, safe migration, and justice referrals strengthen accountability.

Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Partnerships for the Goals

Community, institutional, and cross-sector collaboration powers sustainable impact.

Narrative Change

Unsilenced Voices That Matter

Real conversations about mental health, migration, gender, justice, and hope, told by the people living them. New episodes on Spotify, with video on YouTube.

  • Mental health and healing without stigma
  • Safe migration journeys and hard-won lessons
  • Gender equality, protection, and women’s leadership
  • Justice, rights, and everyday accountability
S1: E11 — IMUWAHEN: The Mind, the Life, and the Outcomes Latest episode · S1: E11 — IMUWAHEN: The Mind, the Life, and the Outcomes

Ways to Make a Difference

Every Contribution Strengthens a Life

Choose the work that speaks to you. We will confirm your chosen tier, receipt details, and how your gift is put to work.

See all giving options

03

Fund a Community Campaign

Support a Safe Journeys, Justice Access Hub, or For Sisterz Only campaign.

Events & Conversations

Upcoming Events

Community sessions and open conversations, held where people already gather.

See all events

Sheerah Verenda team carrying out street outreach
Migration

Safe Journeys Migration Awareness Session

A community session on safer migration decisions, rights, and the support available before and after the journey.

Dates announced soon. Register your interest

Hands held during a counselling support session
Mental Health

Verenda Wellness Community Conversation

An open conversation on mental health, stigma, and the everyday practices that help communities heal together.

Dates announced soon. Register your interest

Stories, Reflections & Insights

Explore Our News & Updates

Exploring the conversations, experiences, and ideas shaping wellbeing, identity, leadership, healing, and community impact.

View all insights

Safe Migration Is a Right: What Every Young Person Should Know

Safe Migration Is a Right: What Every Young Person Should Know

The race to “Japa” is real. So are the dreams behind it. But no dream should require a young person to gamble with their life—and no border should become a place where human rights stop.

Read the piece

Lasting social change begins with human connection and collective care.

From our founding statement

Partners & Collaborators

African Women’s Development FundAmplifyChangeSave a Life Initiative (Disque Foundation)John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy

Member of

Let’s Begin

Be Part of the Change

Sheerah Verenda is powered by passionate individuals committed to community wellbeing. Whether you bring professional skills, lived experience, partnership capacity, or the desire to contribute, there is a place for you here.