About Ven-Yop
Ven-Yop Lannap is someone who lives up to her name. Her first name is actually two names from her parents’ two Nigerian tribes– “Ven,” meaning “friend,” and “Yop,” meaning “graceful.” Her surname “Lannap'' means “to speak meaningfully.” In our conversation, she spoke meaningfully about her work as a writer, content producer, and advocate who stands up for people experiencing injustice. Working across various communities, she crafts narratives that shine a light on underreported issues, particularly those affecting children and marginalized communities.
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Stories of Transforming Lives
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Ven-Yop's advocacy work has taken her around the globe, but a story that sticks out involves her efforts to combat human trafficking. She shared a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of rescuing a young woman from Austria, trafficked at age 16, whom she helped return to Nigeria. Now married with three children, the woman has gone back to school, sponsored by Ven-Yop’s initiatives. Reflecting on the importance of personal stories like these, Ven-Yop notes, “It’s important that we see the people we serve as not just the results of our work, but as human beings - friends and families.” Ven-Yop’s work with children, such as those affected by drug and human trafficking, has led to life-changing experiences both for her and the people she serves. She described the story of Lisa, a young girl coerced into becoming a trafficker's recruit. By focusing on Lisa's leadership potential rather than her misdeeds, Ven-Yop helped transform her into a positive force within her community. Today, Lisa is a role model to many other girls, exemplifying how belief and support can redirect a life towards a brighter path.
Limitless Creativity
Ven-Yop’s passion for enriching children’s lives led her to operate a school, where she was able to use her creativity to make a difference. One of Ven-Yop's most cherished projects was the transformation of a local park into a vibrant play area for children, utilizing old tires shaped and painted into popular animals like turtles and lions. This project not only recycled materials but also provided a safe and joyful place for children to play and learn. The state government recognized her efforts, granting her additional space to create “the gardener,” where old tires were transformed into trees. In another project, she crafted more tires into a Santa Claus for the Christmas holiday.
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Ven-Yop’s Acquaint Experience
As an Acquaint volunteer, Ven-Yop has connected with fellow volunteers from nearly two dozen countries including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. She says, “Acquaint will fine-tune the gifts you have or the skills that you have, and help you be ready for the next interview, or whatever environment you find yourself in. It has made me bolder, more eloquent, more intentional, and more disciplined.” In one example she shared, Ven-Yop spoke with a high school student in the United States. After working with so many young people, many of whom could be very challenging to work with, she was amazed by his maturity and noted, “That young man gave me hope for tomorrow.” Following my conversation with Ven-Yop, I have no doubt that she will continue to create meaningful change wherever she goes, on Acquaint and through the essential work she does every day.
About Ven-Yop
Ven-Yop Lannap is someone who lives up to her name. Her first name is actually two names from her parents’ two Nigerian tribes– “Ven,” meaning “friend,” and “Yop,” meaning “graceful.” Her surname “Lannap'' means “to speak meaningfully.” In our conversation, she spoke meaningfully about her work as a writer, content producer, and advocate who stands up for people experiencing injustice. Working across various communities, she crafts narratives that shine a light on underreported issues, particularly those affecting children and marginalized communities.
Stories of Transforming Lives
Ven-Yop's advocacy work has taken her around the globe, but a story that sticks out involves her efforts to combat human trafficking. She shared a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of rescuing a young woman from Austria, trafficked at age 16, whom she helped return to Nigeria. Now married with three children, the woman has gone back to school, sponsored by Ven-Yop’s initiatives. Reflecting on the importance of personal stories like these, Ven-Yop notes, “It’s important that we see the people we serve as not just the results of our work, but as human beings - friends and families.” Ven-Yop’s work with children, such as those affected by drug and human trafficking, has led to life-changing experiences both for her and the people she serves. She described the story of Lisa, a young girl coerced into becoming a trafficker's recruit. By focusing on Lisa's leadership potential rather than her misdeeds, Ven-Yop helped transform her into a positive force within her community. Today, Lisa is a role model to many other girls, exemplifying how belief and support can redirect a life towards a brighter path.
Limitless Creativity
Ven-Yop’s passion for enriching children’s lives led her to operate a school, where she was able to use her creativity to make a difference. One of Ven-Yop's most cherished projects was the transformation of a local park into a vibrant play area for children, utilizing old tires shaped and painted into popular animals like turtles and lions. This project not only recycled materials but also provided a safe and joyful place for children to play and learn. The state government recognized her efforts, granting her additional space to create “the gardener,” where old tires were transformed into trees. In another project, she crafted more tires into a Santa Claus for the Christmas holiday.
Ven-Yop’s Acquaint Experience
As an Acquaint volunteer, Ven-Yop has connected with fellow volunteers from nearly two dozen countries including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. She says, “Acquaint will fine-tune the gifts you have or the skills that you have, and help you be ready for the next interview, or whatever environment you find yourself in. It has made me bolder, more eloquent, more intentional, and more disciplined.” In one example she shared, Ven-Yop spoke with a high school student in the United States. After working with so many young people, many of whom could be very challenging to work with, she was amazed by his maturity and noted, “That young man gave me hope for tomorrow.” Following my conversation with Ven-Yop, I have no doubt that she will continue to create meaningful change wherever she goes, on Acquaint and through the essential work she does every day.