About Us
Compassion in Action – Ties humanitarian values with impact.
Shokesta Development Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to ministering to widows, vulnerable women, children, youths, and the less privileged. We recognize the unique challenges faced by these groups and provide tailored support aimed at restoring dignity, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term self-reliance.
Our team collaborates closely with beneficiaries, ensuring an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and every solution is co-created.
We aim to change lives by helping African communities grow stronger, more creative, and more productive—through support, education, and leadership. Our slogan, “Solving Social Challenges Through Empowerment, Leadership, and Education,” shows our belief that with faith and determination, anything is possible.
To deliver high-quality vocational training, mentorship, and psychosocial support that empowers widows, vulnerable women, children, and youths to gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to overcome adversity and build sustainable futures.
-Empowerment: Cultivating agency and self-determination.
-Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and ensuring equal access.
-Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all we do.
-Innovation: Encouraging creative, sustainable solutions.
-Collaboration: Working together with beneficiaries and partners.
-Compassion: Providing care and understanding.
-Leadership: Inspiring action and positive change.
10 Years of Establishment
Meet Our Founder
She is a policy advocate, humanitarian, and passionate champion for children, youth, and women. She is the founder of SHOKESTA Development Initiative, a non-profit transforming lives through empowerment, education, and compassionate support.
She also founded the Awe International City of Peace, promoting peacebuilding, and the BAAWA Initiative, focused on youth development through sports and skills training. A strong advocate for the UN SDGs, she is known for her commitment to justice, fairness, and capacity-building.
Down-to-earth and fun-loving, Oluwakemi enjoys dancing, cooking, volleyball, and traveling. She is a proud mother of a set of unisex twins and currently serves as Director of Publicity at Yahweh Hills University in South Africa. She is also the former VP of information management Africa.