"Empowering BAME youth to lead, thrive, and shape a more inclusive future."
Diverse Youth NIis a leadingyouth workcharity championing the voicesof BAME young people across Northern Ireland.
Diverse Youth NI is a youth- led, community- rooted organisation dedicated to uplifting young people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds across Northern Ireland. Since our founding in2021, we have
worked to break down barriers and create life- c hanging opportunities that support young people to grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and become change makers in their communities.
We empoweryoungpeople toleadinareassuchascreative arts, education,leadership,digitalinnovation,
social action, and cultural advocacy — with a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing, and identity.
Diverse Youth NI is recognised for its progressive, youth- first approach and is trusted by local communities, schools, youth organisations, equality advocates, cultural institutions, and educational leaders across Northern Ireland.
Our Ethos
A Message from the Chief Executive
At Diverse Youth NI, we believe that young people — especially those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds — have the passion, insight, and power to shape a more inclusive and equitable Northern Ireland.
We actively encourage young people to lead the conversations and actions that matter to them. They are not just the future — they are the present, and we are proud to walk beside them as they challenge injustice, celebrate identity, and create lasting change in their communities.
Young people are powerful forces of creativity, resilience, and leadership. We see them as assets to society and are committed to nurturing their talents, amplifying their voices, and supporting their journey with care and purpose.
Together with our incredible volunteers, members, and a growing network of local, statutory, and academic partners, we are building a movement — one that challenges discrimination, promotes understanding, and expands opportunity for all.
Our team is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can express themselves, grow in confidence, and find belonging through youth work, education, creative arts, and community leadership.
At Diverse Youth NI, we’re not just supporting young people — we’re empowering them to lead the way.
Together, we are lighting the path to a future that celebrates diversity, embraces equality, and includes everyone.
Mr Israel Eguaogie
Chief Executive Officer, DiverseYouthNI
Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028
Our Vision
To ignite and equip the next generation of BAME leaders, while fostering social cohesion, respect, and mutual understanding among all communities in Northern Ireland.
Our Mission
Diverse Youth NI empowersand uplifts BAME young people across Northern Ireland by creating inclusive spaces that celebrate cultural heritage, enhance skills, build confidence, and challenge discrimination. We are committed to cultivating a society where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued — and where diversity is recognised as a strength that unites communities.
Through this mission, we aim to:
1) Create inclusive and supportive environments where BAME youth can thrive. 2) Inspire and equip young people to lead change and advocate for equality. 3) Promote cultural pride and mutual respect through educational and creative programmes. 4) Strengthen community cohesion through collaboration and outreach.
Outcomes for Young People
Build and sustain their health, wellbeing, and emotional resilience.
Increase creative expression and pride in their cultural identity.
Enhance life, leadership, and career readiness skills.
Actively demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and social impact in their communities.
Our Governance
“Having a passionate, purpose-d riven board and team has enabled our workforce to stay mission- f ocused, agile, equipped for challenges ahead, and committed to creating lasting impact in the lives of young people.”
Diverse Youth NI isa charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated and registered in Northern Ireland under company number NI688622.
Founded in 2021, Diverse Youth NI was established in response to the growing need for inclusive, culturally responsive youthwork that empowers Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) young people across Northern Ireland.
Since its inception, the charity has focused on tackling in equality, building confidence, and creating safe spaces where BAME youth can thrive, lead, and feel proud of who they are. Through creative programmes, educational initiatives, and social action, Diverse Youth NI continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and their communities.
The organisation is governed by a Memor an dum and Articles of Association, with a Board of Directors providing strategic leadership and oversight.
Our registered office address is: 275AAntrimRoad, Belfast, BT15 2GZ
We are registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under charity number 108130.
Governance Goals 2024 –2028
Building strongfoundations for inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and long-t erm impact
Secure a sustainable financial base, raising a minimum of £250,000 annually to support programme delivery, organisational growth, and long – term impact for BAME young people.
Work with at least 35 local communities each year to deliver inclusive, high – quality youth work that reflects the needs, voices, and cultures of BAME youth.
Improve the wellbeing, aspirations, and opportunities of 4000 young people annually aged 4- 25years through targeted programmes in education, creative arts, leadership, and mental health.
Support the skills development and career progression of 150 young BAME leaders each year , through mentoring, accredited training, and employability workshops.
Maintain strong governance and transparency, operating
within a clear legal and constitutional framework, and ensuring high standards in finance, safeguarding, and organisational leadership.
Strengthen our internal leadership by investing in a supportive, diverse, and effective staff, volunteer, and board team who reflect the communities we serve.
Build meaningful partnerships with local charities, schools, cultural organisations, statutory bodies, and academic institutions to amplify our reach and impact.
Advocate for equity and inclusion within the youth and community sector — ensuring that the experiences of BAME youth are recognised, valued, and represented in policy and practice.
Raise the quality of our programmes through continuous learning, co – designed resources, training, and evaluation — ensuring we grow with purpose and accountability.
Safeguarding
Diverse Youth NI is fully committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and the protection of all children, young people, and adults who engage with our programmes and activities. We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported, and we strive to create environments where wellbeing is prioritised and harm is prevented.
We are dedicated to safe guarding practice that reflects our values of inclusion, dignity, and empowerment. As part of this commitment, we provide Access NI vetting for all staff and volunteers, and we deliver Keeping Safe safe guarding training to ensure that our team and members are fully equipped to uphold these responsibilities.
Our Designated Safeguarding Officer and Adult Safeguarding Champion is Alexis Ekwueme, with Derek Egioze serving asDeputy Designated Officer and AppointedPersonfor Adults. Our Safeguarding BoardMember is Israel Eguaogie, who provides governance- level oversight of all safeguarding procedures. Our approved Keeping Safe Trainers include O motoyosi Ogunlende, Victor Ilegar, Maureen Nwosu, and Derek Egioze. They play avital role in delivering safeguarding knowledge and promoting a culture of safety throughout the organisation. Diverse Youth NI’s safeguarding practices are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and best practice guidance. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for every participant in our care.
For further guidance or toraise a safeguardingconcern, please contact ourteam directly.
Click on theicon to the right to download ourfull Safeguarding Policy.
