Main areas of work related to the Convention:
Babatunde Development and Empowerment Initiative (BDEI) has been actively engaged in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through various initiatives, demonstrating its capacity to provide advisory services to relevant committees. At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, between 2018 and 2022, BDEI organized workshops and cultural events aimed at promoting skills acquisition under traditional craftsmanship among corps members at the Orientation camp. In 2020, BDEI collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Akure, Ondo State, to develop cultural preservation programs and awareness campaigns aimed at sensitizing women and youths to the social and economic benefits of engaging in vocational crafts. During this event, we also trained and empowered some groups of women.
Furthermore, BDEI's efforts extended to skills acquisition and vocational training, notably at the recently commissioned Skills Acquisition Centre in Ile-Oluji Oke-Igbo Local Government, Ondo State, in 2020. Here, BDEI provided training sessions focused on traditional craftsmanship, empowering individuals with practical skills while preserving cultural heritage. Similarly, in 2022 and 2023, BDEI conducted traditional craftsmanship training programs in Irepodun Local Government, Osun State, and Orolo Local Government, respectively, further emphasizing the organization's commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous crafts.
These activities and more underscore BDEI's comprehensive approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, spanning cultural events, vocational training, and community engagement. With its extensive experience and successful track record in cultural preservation initiatives, BDEI is well-positioned to offer advisory services to the Committee, providing valuable insights and expertise to support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage at local, national, and international levels.
Objectives
Babatunde Development and Empowerment Initiative (BDEI), is a nonprofit, non-political, non-governmental organization (NGO) with a mission to collaborate with well-meaning organizations around the world in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our focus is to make the world a better place for everyone through our advocacy programs, strategic partnerships, trainings and empowerment initiatives, all aimed at promoting entrepreneurship skills and experience in the lives of women and youths in our societies.
With over 15years of experience, BDEI boasts extensive experience in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preserving culture. Over the years, BDEI has demonstrated its commitment to documenting various cultural practices, including oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, and social customs. Additionally, BDEI's comprehensive training programs on traditional and vocational craftsmanship underscore its dedication to heritage preservation. By empowering artisans and practitioners with essential skills and knowledge, BDEI contributes to the continuity of traditional crafts and the preservation of cultural identities. This wealth of experience positions BDEI as a trusted authority in the field, equipped to navigate the complexities of cultural preservation and safeguarding of intangible cultural artefacts and heritage.
Cooperation
Babatunde Development and Empowerment Initiative (BDEI) operates at the grassroots level, collaborating closely with communities, groups, and individuals involved in creating, practicing, and transmitting intangible cultural heritage. This collaborative approach ensures that cultural traditions are preserved and passed down through generations while empowering community members with valuable skills. In 2016-2020 BDEI partnered with the Entrepreneurship Department Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA to provide vocational training opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to youth development and cultural preservation. In 2020, BDEI conducted vocational training sessions at the recently commissioned Skills Acquisition Centre in Ile-Oluji Oke-Igbo Local Government, Ondo State. Here, community women were trained in bead making and tie & dyeing, fostering economic empowerment and preserving traditional crafts. Similarly, at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, in 2022, BDEI partnered with the NYSC body to provide vocational training opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to youth development and cultural preservation. Furthermore, in 2022, BDEI collaborated with six youth groups at the Irepodun Local Government Community Centre in Osun State, coordinating and facilitating training exercises on traditional craftsmanship. This initiative aimed to revive and sustain indigenous craft skills among young people, contributing to cultural heritage preservation and community development. Additionally, in 2023, BDEI worked in partnership with the Orolu Local Government Secretariat in Osun State to host traditional craftsmanship training sessions for women and youths in the community. These collaborative efforts underscore BDEI's dedication to engaging stakeholders at all levels to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity and relevance in contemporary society.
