Community Development Links Initiative

About Us

Creating opportunities, giving hope and providing effective solutions for vulnerable people and communities.

Who we are

Building stronger communities through opportunity

Community Development Links Initiative (CDLI), formerly known as Ipaja Community Link, is a Nigerian NGO focused on developing communities and reducing poverty.

We create learning opportunities and provide practical support for vulnerable people, helping children, women, young people and communities access opportunities that can improve their lives.

Our work brings together education, skills development, health support, advocacy and community-based action.

Our story

From community links to wider opportunities

Community Development Links Initiative was established by Development Impact For Nigeria (DIFN), a small UK-based Diaspora-led development agency working in Nigeria.

The organisation grew from a desire to strengthen links between communities, volunteers and supporters and to create practical opportunities for people in need.

Formerly known as Ipaja Community Link, CDLI continues to focus on community development and poverty reduction through programmes that respond to the needs of vulnerable people.

Our vision

A future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive

We envision a future where every person has the opportunity to maximise their potential and contribute to all aspects of life.

CDLI works towards this vision by creating opportunities for vulnerable people, strengthening communities and supporting initiatives that enable people to learn, develop skills and participate more fully in society.

What we do

Practical programmes that create opportunity

CDLI delivers community-based programmes focused on education, skills development, health support and advocacy.

Children’s Support Initiative

Educational scholarships, health insurance, nutritional support and school needs for orphans, children with special needs and other vulnerable children.

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Vocational and retail-focused social enterprises, savings and loans cooperative initiatives, health education and health insurance support for women and widows.

Youth Empowerment Initiative

Scholarships, vocational skills training and community apprenticeships for young people, including youth and young adults with special needs.

School Improvement Program

Teacher training and school-based projects in state-run schools.

Education Advocacy Campaign

Advocacy aimed at improving the education sector in Nigeria.

Our community work

Turning programmes into practical action

CDLI’s work is delivered through practical community programmes and activities designed to respond to the needs of vulnerable people.

Support for Vulnerable Children

Psychosocial meetings and support activities for vulnerable children.

Nutritional Support

Nutritional food packets provided as part of support for vulnerable communities.

School Supplies Drive

Educational materials and school supplies to support children’s learning.

Support for Widows

Support meetings and activities for women and widows.

Women’s Entrepreneurial Training

Entrepreneurial and skills training designed to help women develop opportunities for economic participation.

Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Menstrual hygiene training in schools and communities, including Menstrual Health Hygiene Day activities and free sanitary pad distribution.

Inclusive Cycling

Inclusive cycling activities supporting children with disabilities.

Summer and Supplementary Education

Summer school programmes and supplementary school support for vulnerable children.

Community Education Campaigns

Community outreaches and campaigns promoting child education.

Community Skills Training

Skills training programmes for women and young people.

Get involved

Help create the next opportunity

There are many ways to support CDLI’s work with vulnerable children, women, young people and communities.

Support CDLI →