Children Rise, Adults Thrive Initiative
About Us
Children Rise, Adults Thrive Initiative is a non-governmental organization based in Central Nigeria, committed to empowering children in rural communities through access to quality educational materials, leadership development programs, and life-building opportunities.
We support youths with skills development and empowerment initiatives that enable them to thrive as independent entrepreneurs and responsible environmental stewards. Working closely with rural communities, we aim to raise a generation of literate, confident, and socially responsible Nigerian children while promoting sustainable practices that contribute to a better environment and lasting global impact.
History & Context
Children Rise Adults Thrive Initiative (CRAT Initiative Nigeria) emerged from the lived realities of children in rural and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) communities who lack access to basic learning materials, quality education, and safe learning environments. Many of these children have been displaced by insurgency, while their parents struggle to afford school fees and essential educational supplies.
The initiative was founded by Elebiju Anastasia, who was born in Central Nigeria and personally experienced the challenges of limited access to education. Anastasia began formal schooling at the age of nine, an experience that deeply shaped her passion for educational equity and social transformation. Rather than allowing these challenges to limit her, she chose to become a catalyst for change in her generation.
Through mentorship and leadership development—particularly her training with the International Institute for Global Leadership (IIGL)—Anastasia’s worldview was transformed. This experience became a turning point, shaping her understanding of leadership as rooted in values, humanity, and service. It reinforced her belief that every child matters and deserves access to quality education to thrive in society.
After completing a three-year leadership and mentorship programme, Anastasia founded Children Rise Adults Thrive Initiative (CRAT Initiative Nigeria) to support school children, young adults, and marginalized communities in overcoming limitations, discovering purpose, and accessing enabling environments where education can truly make lasting impact.
Beyond education, CRAT Initiative Nigeria is committed to empowering thriving adults with practical skills, start-up equipment, and mentorship to launch sustainable entrepreneurship ventures. By supporting income-generating activities, the initiative enables young adults and parents to become economically independent, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and break cycles of poverty.
CRAT Initiative Nigeria believes that when children are supported to rise and adults are empowered to thrive, communities become resilient, self-sustaining, and prepared for a better future.
Why We Exist
Too many children are denied access to quality education due to poverty, displacement, and conflict, and too many young adults are left without the skills, resources, or opportunities needed to build independent and dignified lives.
In rural and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) communities, families struggle to provide basic learning materials, pay school fees, or support their children’s educational journeys. As a result, children fall behind, potential is lost, and cycles of poverty continue across generations.
Children Rise Adults Thrive Initiative exists to break this cycle. We believe that education is a foundation for transformation, and that true development happens when children are supported to learn and adults are empowered to become economically independent. By providing educational support, mentorship, leadership development, and entrepreneurship start-up equipment, we enable individuals to rise above limitations and contribute meaningfully to society.
Our Focus Areas
Children Rise Adults Thrive Initiative (CRAT Initiative Nigeria) focuses on holistic human development by addressing educational, social, and economic barriers faced by children, young adults, and marginalized communities.
- Education Access & Learning Support (Children Rise):
We support children in rural and IDP communities with basic learning materials, school fee assistance, and safe learning environments. Through mentorship, life-skills education, and value-based learning, we help children stay in school, build confidence, and reach their full potential. - Youth Development & Leadership:
We nurture young people through mentorship, leadership training, and personal development programs that equip them with the skills, values, and mindset needed to become responsible leaders and change-makers in their communities. - Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment (Adults Thrive):
We empower young adults and parents with practical skills training, start-up equipment, and business mentorship to launch small-scale entrepreneurship ventures. This enables beneficiaries to achieve financial independence, improve household income, and contribute sustainably to the local economy. - Community Support & Social Inclusion:
We work with marginalised and displaced communities to promote inclusion, resilience, and access to opportunities. Our community-driven approach ensures that interventions are locally relevant, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower children, young adults, and marginalised communities through access to quality education, mentorship, leadership development, and economic empowerment. We are committed to supporting children to rise academically and socially, while
equipping adults with the skills, resources, and start-up tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods and thrive independently in society.
Our Vision
Our vision is a society where every child has access to quality education, every young adult is empowered with skills and opportunities for economic independence, and communities are resilient, inclusive, and able to thrive across generations.
Get Involved
At Children Rise Adults Thrive Initiative (CRAT Initiative Nigeria), we believe lasting change happens when people come together with purpose. There are many ways you can be part of the impact and help children rise while adults thrive.
Volunteer With Us
Join our team of passionate volunteers to support educational programmes, mentorship, community outreach, training sessions, and advocacy initiatives. Your time and skills can make a lasting difference.
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with individuals, organisations, schools, donors, and corporate bodies who share our vision for education, empowerment, and community development. Together, we can scale impact and reach more lives.
Donate & Support
Your financial support and kind donations help provide learning materials, school support, entrepreneurship start-up equipment, and resources for underserved communities. Every contribution counts.
Together, we can create opportunities, restore hope, and build a future where everyone has the chance to rise and thrive.
Children Rise 