Nelo Dreams Foundation International equips children with emotional skills, mental health awareness, and the confidence to thrive — in school, at home, and in life.
In strategic partnership with Rangers Int’l FC Foundation
Our Impact So Far
Children Reached
Schools Engaged
Communities Served
Volunteers
Glad You Were Born
Every child. Every mind.
Founded in 2018, Nelo Dreams Foundation believes mental health is not a luxury — it is a childhood right. From the classroom to the community, we make emotional skills and mental health awareness something every child can understand, practise, and carry for life.
Rooted in dignity, evidence, and joy.
See our objectivesEach program we run advances one of three objectives — clear, measurable, and built around the child.
We deliver age-appropriate mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) awareness programs in schools, communities, and online — so children can name their feelings, understand their minds, and ask for help without shame.
We create safe spaces, training opportunities, and dignity-centered programs that ensure children with special abilities are seen, supported, and celebrated as full members of their communities.
We train the adults around the child — teachers, parents, and youth leaders — to recognise mental health needs early and respond with skill, warmth, and consistency.
Practical, age-appropriate programs that turn mental health awareness into everyday skills — in schools, communities, and on the pitch.
A structured, age-appropriate curriculum that teaches children to understand emotions, manage stress, and support their peers.
Weekly peer clubs where children practise empathy, regulation, and resilience through play and reflection.
Dignity-centered spaces and training that ensure children with special abilities are supported and celebrated.
Practical workshops that help adults recognise mental health needs early and respond with skill.
With Rangers International FC Foundation, we use football to build discipline, teamwork, and emotional strength.
Open-air awareness drives that bring mental health conversations directly into neighbourhoods.
Five values guide every decision, every program, and every relationship we hold with the children and communities we serve.
We own our programs, our outcomes, and our promises — to the children, families, and partners who trust us.
We protect dignity at every turn and never exploit vulnerability for attention, funding, or applause.
We do the work thoroughly — preparing, listening, and following through long after the cameras leave.
We stay consistent in purpose, showing up for the same communities season after season.
We collaborate across schools, clubs, and communities to multiply impact far beyond what we could do alone.
Behind every number is a classroom that grew kinder, a parent who learned to listen, a child who found the words. These are some of the moments along the way.
From the field
A moment with the children we serve
Enugu, Nigeria
Our flagship campaign brought mental health assemblies and SEL workshops to twelve schools in a single term, reaching thousands of pupils.
Nsukka, Nigeria
We took mental health conversations into markets and town halls, meeting families where they already gather.
Enugu, Nigeria
Two hundred children completed our peer-leadership track, learning to support classmates and speak up for their own wellbeing.
Awka, Nigeria
A dedicated program created safe, adapted spaces for children with special abilities and trained their caregivers.
Pupils name their feelings during a Mind Matters assembly.
Building Lasting Impact: RIFC Foundation & Nelo Dreams Foundation Launch Clustered Women’s Health Outreach in Dogongada, FCT
Building Lasting Impact: RIFC Foundation & Nelo Dreams Foundation Launch Clustered Women’s Health Outreach in Dogongada, FCT
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION AND RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC FOUNDATION DELIVER COMMUNITY HEALTH OUTREACH TO WUINM VILLAGE, KUJE, ABUJA
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION INT'L EMPOWERS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN WUINM VILLAGE THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION AND RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDATION DELIVER MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH TO COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN ABUJA
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A weekly social-emotional learning club.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION INT'L EMPOWERS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN WUINM VILLAGE THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION AND RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDATION DELIVER MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH TO COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN ABUJA
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Football for Development with Rangers Foundation.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION INT'L EMPOWERS WOMEN AND GIRLS IN WUINM VILLAGE THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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An open-air outreach in the neighbourhood.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Teachers’ mental health day — Tranod International School, Efab City Estate, Lokogoma.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Adapted activities for children with special abilities.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Funvile International School, Efab City Estate, Lokogoma, Abuja.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Mental health awareness at Damanza Government Junior Secondary School.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Mental Health & Self-Awareness Program 2025 — Bloomfield International School, Efab City Estate, Lokogoma.
Beyond the Pitch: Nelo Dreams Foundation & RIFC Foundation Equip Abuja Professionals with Mental Health Toolkits
Anti-bullying advocacy at Federal Govt Boys College — Junior.
A senior cohort joins the mental-health awareness program.
The most recent outreaches, school visits and events — written up by the team, with the photos and videos from each day.
NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION INTL held a community outreach in Wunim Village, Kuje Area Council, Abuja. The program educated women and young girls on Ment...
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NELO DREAMS FOUNDATION, in partnership with RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FC FOUNDATION, held a community outreach in Wuinm Village, Kuje, Abuja. The program...
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Nelo Dreams Foundation Int'l and RIFC Foundation successfully concluded a Workplace Mental Health Workshop in Abuja. Participants received SEL + REBT...
Read moreTeachers, parents, and coaches describe what changes when children are given the language and tools to understand their minds.
For the first time, our pupils have words for what they feel — and the confidence to use them. Nelo Dreams changed the emotional climate of our school.
I used to dismiss my son’s worries. The parent training taught me to listen first. Our home feels different now — calmer, closer.
We train the mind behind the behaviour. When a child learns to manage pressure on the pitch, they carry that strength into every part of life.
“Building Champions on the Pitch and in the Mind”
Nelo Dreams Foundation partners with Rangers International FC Foundation to combine mental health education, social-emotional learning, and football-based youth development — proving that the right coaching shapes character as much as it shapes athletes.
We work alongside organisations who share our belief that every child deserves the tools to understand their mind.
Technology & Digital Partner
DTI helps brands, startups, and enterprises scale through engineered digital experiences and data-driven growth — building integrated digital roadmaps across custom web & app development, system design & automation, and growth marketing.
dti.technologyWhere the work begins
A growing network of schools that open their classrooms to mental health literacy and SEL.
Care beyond the classroom
Local health workers and counsellors who provide follow-up support for children and families.
Four principles separate a one-off awareness talk from real, durable change.
Behaviour is the surface. We work underneath it — helping children understand the thoughts and feelings that drive how they act, so change comes from understanding, not punishment.
The mind
We start here — then behaviour follows.
We replace shame with skill. Instead of telling children what’s wrong with them, we teach them what to do — naming emotions, calming the body, and asking for help with confidence.
Every program is grounded in social-emotional learning research and adapted to local culture and language — rigorous in design, warm in delivery.
We track what matters — reach, engagement, and growth across terms — so partners can see exactly how awareness turns into lasting change.
A small team of coaches, field officers and programme staff who show up in schools and communities across Nigeria — every week, for every child.
Executive Director
Coach Ebere Amaraizu is a Certified CBT Coach, SEL Expert, Peacebuilder and IVLP Alumnus (U.S. Department of State). He serves as State Coordinator, USGEAAN Enugu. As Pioneer Chairman, Rangers International FC Foundation — Nigeria’s first football club foundation — he pioneered SEL + Sports to create alternative pathways for children and youth. He is a NIS Certified Sports Coach, IOC/NOC Certified Sports Manager, and Consultant on PREVENT Serious & Organized Crime Policing with CLEEN Foundation. He leverages SEL + REBT + Sports to prevent youth offending, build critical thinkers, and enhance employability. His work draws from global best practices in the US (El Paso County Problem-Solving Court, Colorado Springs, Ramsey County CJI, FIU Miami) and UK (LFC Foundation, Merseyside Police). Philosophy: Life is for the Living.
Project Implementation / Evaluation Manager
Kennedy Obinna Okoro is a results-driven Program Manager and Public Relations professional with 7+ years of experience leading multi-stakeholder programs, youth development initiatives, and community engagement projects across Nigeria. Proven expertise in program coordination, stakeholder management, strategic partnerships, operations, and public communication. Skilled at delivering high-impact initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, resolving complex challenges, and driving sustainable social impact. Holds an HND in Computer Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Engineering, with additional training in Project Management, Public Relations, and Football Coaching.
Media Officer
Kennedy Onwunali is a dynamic sports administrator, media practitioner, and social advocate from Mbaise, Imo State. An alumnus of Abia State Polytechnic, he has built a strong reputation across sports development, journalism, mental health advocacy, and community engagement. He is married with four children. Professional Roles Chief Executive Officer, Silvernews Communications (parent platform of Wakawaka Sports Extra and Silversports Radio Show) Secretary, South-East Zone, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Member, Media Committee and Division One, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Coordinator, Mbaise Policy Roundtable on Anti-Drug and Anti-Cultism Campaign (MCADA) Immediate Past Chairman, POCACOV, Imo State Police Command Coordinator, Aboh Mbaise Football Association Key Contributions Played a significant role in resolving disputes within the Nigeria Basketball Federation, promoting tr
Field Officer / Community Mobilizer
Field Officer / Program
Board Secretary/Program
Cynthia C Edwin Eluwa is a result-driven Special Educator and Human Resources Manager. She is a Public Relations professional with over twelve years experience; an astute leader with multi-tasking skills in youth development programmes and initiatives, and community engagement projects across Nigeria. She is also a Proven expert in training and retraining of teachers, school Administrators/management staff, proprietors/Proprietress/ Stakeholders, management with strategic partnership skills, and public communication skills. She is skilled at delivering high-impact initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, resolving complex challenges, and driving sustainable social impact. She holds a degree in Special Education/French; a Masters degree in Public and International Relations and a professional certificates in Aviation, Mental Health Personnel, Caregiving, and training of children with special needs. She is the Board Secretary and founder of NDFI.
Media Assistant
Human Resources Manager/program
Anselm Onyekachi Eluwa is a result-driven Special Educator and Human Resources Manager and Public Relations professional with over twelve years experience. He is a leader in multi-tasking skills and programmes, youth development initiatives, and community engagement projects across Nigeria. He is also a Proven expert in training and retraining of teachers, school Administrators/management staff, proprietors/Proprietress/ stakeholder management with strategic partnership skills, and public communication skills. Skilled at delivering high-impact initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, resolving complex challenges, and driving sustainable social impact. Holds a degree in Special Education/Political Science and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, with additional training in Public Relations, Caregiving, and training of children with special needs. He is also a prospective lawyer.
Webmaster
Kenechukwu is a certified Web Developer focused on building responsive and interactive websites. He serves as Webmaster at Nelo Dreams Foundation International, where he is responsible for updating and managing content on the organization's website. With a passion for technology, he ensures the Foundation's digital platform remains current, informative, and aligned with its mission. He leverages his skills as a developer to support the Foundation's impact-driven work and amplify its reach across communities.
Program manager, NDFI Northwest, Nigeria
Abubakar Magaji Yabo is a development practitioner, policy and governance professional, and community development advocate whose career has been shaped by a sustained commitment to public service, institutional strengthening, youth empowerment, social accountability and human dignity. His professional experience spans government, civil society and donor-supported programmes, with particular depth in governance, community systems strengthening, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, resilience building, protection, WASH and social and behaviour change communication. Born on 17 July 1970 in Yabo Town, Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria, he received his early education at Yabo Central Primary School (1976–1982) and Ahmadu Bello Academy, Farfaru, Sokoto (1982–1987). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and a Master of Business Administration from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
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“Glad You Were Born”
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