About Us
our story
Our story starts way back, when the first Iwari girl chose her own authentic future.
- 2016 - BEST friend's unplanned pregnancy resulted in an abusive marriage.
- 2018 - ESTHER DROPPED OUT OF MEDICAL SCHOOL TO BUILD HER PASSION
- 2019 - SHE STARTED A PROGRAM TO TEACH VOCATIONAL SKILLS TO IDLE YOUTHS
- 2020 - TRAVELLED ACROSS 8 RURAL NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES EMPOWERING YOUTHS
- 2025 - FOUNDED IWARI WHICH WAS OFFICIALLY UNVEILED IN TRIVANDRUM, INDIA.
Esther, Iwari’s founder’s journey began when her creative spirit was suppressed by her father’s expectation that she become a doctor. Despite finding a deep passion for art, she initially enrolled in medical school to satisfy her family. After three years, she made the difficult choice to drop out, causing a rift. She returned to art and began traveling across Nigeria, teaching artisanal skills to idle, marginalized youth and witnessed their transformation into focused, resilient individuals.
This personal struggle for choice was inspired by tragedy. Her inseparable childhood friend, had her dreams abruptly closed at 17 when an unplanned pregnancy forced her into an abusive marriage. Now a single mother, Ayanfe fights just to survive. These two realities—the difficult choice and the total loss of choice—inspired Iwari to ensure every Nigerian girl can choose her own authentic future.
Iwari is a four-stage transformative journey guiding teenage girls from self-discovery to hands-on experience and mentorship. We provide the exposure, tools, and community support needed to help every rural girl choose and create her own future.
