A Safe Space Built
One Story at a Time
Twayne Safe Haven began in January 2015 with something simple: a young boy trying to understand his own emotions.
As a teenager, Sammie was going through mental health challenges he didn't fully understand. He needed a place to express how he felt, but starting a blog wasn't possible. He didn't even have a laptop. Just a small flip Nokia phone.
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, he discovered the Groups feature. On January 22, 2015, he created a small private group, just a space to share thoughts and feelings honestly. That small decision became the beginning of Twayne Safe Haven.
Serving young people across Nigeria for over 11 years.
Why TWAYNE?
The name came from personal affirmations Sammie whispered to himself during his hardest moments as a teenager, words that reminded him who he could become, even when he felt low. Six words. Six promises to himself.
From a Simple Idea to a Movement
What started as a personal coping space slowly grew into a supportive community where young people could share their stories, find encouragement, and feel less alone.
Over the years, the group expanded beyond online conversations. Members began forming real friendships, supporting one another through challenges, and creating a culture of empathy and belonging that extended far beyond a Facebook group.
Storytelling Is Powerful
When people feel safe enough to share their experiences, healing begins. Connection grows. Confidence returns. Our work is guided by three core values that shape every conversation, event, and interaction:
From a Phone Screen to a Movement
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2015
A private Facebook Group is born from a simple idea. January 22. The first message is sent.
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2017–18
The group grows. Members form real friendships, support one another, and a culture of empathy takes root.
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2019
Selected for Facebook Community Leadership Circles. Sammie recognised as a top leader in Lagos, aged 19.
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2019+
In-person hangouts begin across Nigerian states, turning online connection into real-life community.
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Today
11+ years, thousands of young people reached across Nigeria, and a community still growing, story by story.
Selected for the Facebook Community Leadership Circles
In 2019, Twayne Safe Haven was selected to participate in Facebook's Community Leadership Circles program in Nigeria, one of only a handful of communities chosen across the country.
At just 19 years old, Sammie was recognised as one of the young community leaders in Lagos. It was a powerful affirmation of what members already knew: that safe spaces built with sincerity can change lives. What had started as a small private group had become something truly meaningful.
That same year also marked the beginning of in-person member hangouts across different Nigerian states, turning online connection into real-life community.
From Online Connection to Real-Life Community
In 2019, TSH reached an important milestone with simultaneous member hangouts across different Nigerian states. These gatherings turned online friendships into real-life community, deepening our belief that safe spaces matter not only online, but in everyday life.
Members who had once only typed to each other through a screen were now sitting together, laughing, and holding each other through real moments.
Dynamite
Each year, we host Dynamite, our annual community gathering. It is a space for seminars, workshops, awards, and meaningful meetups that celebrate growth and honour the people who make TSH what it is.
Dynamite is proof that a small private group born from one person's desire to be heard, that has grown into something real, warm, and worth celebrating.
Moments from Our Hangouts Across States
Our members continue to uplift and inspire one another through authentic storytelling, encouragement, and presence. Over time, Twayne Safe Haven has become more than a group. It has become a place of belonging.
Growing with Care, Consistency, and Integrity
What began as one person searching for understanding has become a home where many people find belonging.
More than a decade later, Twayne Safe Haven has reached thousands of young people across Nigeria through storytelling spaces, community gatherings, workshops, and meaningful peer support.
We are working toward expanding programs, strengthening partnerships, and creating more opportunities for connection, healing, and personal growth across Nigeria.
"Because every story deserves to be heard.
And every person deserves a place to feel safe."
You Don't Have to Walk This Journey Alone
Whether you're healing, growing, or just looking for a place to be heard. There is a place for you here.
Serving young people across Nigeria for over 11 years.