CAPTURING THE VISION
The Center for Creative Youth International (CCYI)
Young people, we are not gathered here merely as students or ordinary youths. We are gathered as carriers of a divine mandate. We are gathered as builders of a new Africa. We are gathered as a generation called to think differently, live differently, and solve problems differently.
Today, I want you to see beyond a club, beyond an association, and beyond an organization. I want you to see a movement. I want you to see a vision. A vision that is calling young people to rise with integrity, creativity, excellence, and transformational leadership.
THE VISION
“The continent of Africa is presently undergoing a social-spiritual reformation that will culminate in the economic, political and cultural revival of our great continent. A new breed of youth leaders the world has never seen before are rising from this continent beginning with Nigeria as the trigger of maximum impact... the harvest of Africa has never been more ripe.”
August 14th 2002
AN OVERVIEW OF THE VISION
This vision means that Africa is not doomed. Africa is not forgotten. Africa is not empty of greatness.
There is a reformation already happening — spiritually, mentally, intellectually, creatively, and socially. God is raising young people who will redefine leadership, innovation, creativity, education, business, technology, governance, ministry, and societal transformation.
CCYI believes that the next global change-makers can rise from Africa.
But these youths cannot think like everybody else.
They must become:
- creative thinkers,
- solution providers,
- innovators,
- readers,
- builders,
- reformers,
- and visionary leaders.
The world does not reward people merely because they exist. The world rewards value. The world rewards solutions.
That is why you must train your mind to think beyond survival and begin to think impact.
Ask yourself daily:
- What problem can I solve?
- What value can I create?
- How can I improve my environment?
- How can my ideas make lives better?
Creativity is not just art or music. Creativity is the ability to see possibilities where others see limitations.
A creative mind refuses mediocrity. A creative mind refuses excuses. A creative mind creates answers.
THE VISION SHARED
“I am so excited to share the vision of the CCYI with you. It is my sincere belief that through this divine mandate, you and I would be able to free the African Youth from all forms of bondage.”
This bondage is not only physical bondage.
Many youths are bound by:
- fear,
- laziness,
- mediocrity,
- ignorance,
- low self-esteem,
- addiction,
- purposelessness,
- dependency mentality,
- and the inability to think creatively.
CCYI is a movement to liberate the minds of youths and awaken greatness within them.
THE MISSION OF CCYI
“The Center for Creative Youth International is a non-governmental, multi-professional, non-denominational and multi-cultural youth organization, with the singular purpose of initiating a mental revolution in the leadership culture amongst the youth of the third world.”
The key phrase here is:
“MENTAL REVOLUTION”
Before society changes, minds must change.
A youth who cannot think cannot lead. A youth who cannot read cannot grow. A youth who cannot solve problems cannot influence society.
CCYI exists to produce youths who:
- think deeply,
- act responsibly,
- lead with integrity,
- create solutions,
- and influence society positively.
The mission is not merely to gather crowds. The mission is to raise transformational leaders.
“READING WILL SOON BECOME A CULTURE”
This part of the vision is extremely important.
Great leaders are readers. Creative people are learners. Innovators are thinkers.
A generation that does not read will eventually follow those who do.
To lead tomorrow, you must develop your mind today.
Read:
- books,
- scriptures,
- biographies,
- leadership materials,
- innovative ideas,
- and transformational content.
RELATING THE VISION TO JOHN 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
Jesus emphasized the power of searching.
Great people are searchers. Creative minds are seekers. Transformational leaders are learners.
The scripture does not produce shallow minds. It produces enlightened minds.
When you search the scriptures:
- your thinking expands,
- your wisdom increases,
- your vision becomes clearer,
- your creativity becomes inspired,
- and your purpose becomes established.
The Bible is full of creative problem solvers:
- Joseph solved an economic crisis.
- Daniel solved governmental problems.
- Nehemiah rebuilt a broken system.
- David confronted impossible challenges.
God is still looking for youths who can provide solutions to the problems of their generation.
WHAT MAKES CCYI DIFFERENT?
“We do not seek recognition, all we seek is relevance.”
This means we are not chasing fame. We are pursuing impact.
“We do not seek to have, but to serve.”
True leadership is service.
“We are not after politicians, but we are out to volunteer.”
Real change begins when young people stop waiting for others and start becoming contributors.
“All we seek is a difference. Our individual difference is hoped will create a difference.”
One creative idea can transform a nation. One innovative mind can change a generation.
“We are uncommon youths with an uncommon purpose.”
You were not born to blend into mediocrity.
“Our watch word is integrity — say it and mean it.”
Integrity means:
- consistency,
- honesty,
- responsibility,
- accountability,
- and character.
Talent may open doors, but integrity sustains greatness.
FINAL CHARGE
Young people, Africa is waiting.
Your generation cannot afford:
- lazy minds,
- empty passion,
- shallow thinking,
- or purposeless living.
This is your time to:
- think creatively,
- solve problems,
- build capacity,
- develop leadership,
- pursue excellence,
- and become relevant in your generation.
Do not underestimate your ideas. Do not bury your gifts. Do not wait for perfect conditions.
You are part of the new breed of leaders rising from Africa.
And as the vision says:
“The harvest of Africa has never been more ripe.”
PROPHETIC DECLARATION
I am a creative thinker. I am a solution provider. I refuse mediocrity. I carry divine ideas. I will impact my generation positively. I will lead with integrity. I will create value. I will solve problems. I will rise for the transformation of Africa. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Kay Daniels
