AboutCreate My Future
CMF is a nonprofit organization in Nigeria shaping future-ready generations — helping children and young people build the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Who We Are
Create My Future Foundation (CMF) is a nonprofit organization in Nigeria dedicated to shaping future-ready generations by expanding access to education, life skills, creative development, and community support.
Our mission is to help prepare children and young people not only for school, but for life. We combine education support, creative and performing arts, sports, life-skills development, and community-based care — anchored in dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.
For the past seven years, CMF has worked alongside communities to help children remain in school and develop the human skills that technology cannot replace, so they stand a better chance of recognizing and seizing opportunities when they arise.
Our Vision
A world where every child and young person — regardless of background — can dream, learn, and build their future with dignity and confidence.
Our Core Values
The principles that shape every program, partnership, and community we serve.
Inclusion
Every child deserves access to learning and opportunities.
Innovation
We use creative approaches to solve educational challenges.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, kindness, and service to others.
Empowerment
We equip individuals with the tools to thrive independently.
Our Approach
We work through local partnerships, community listening, and participatory programming, ensuring every project is relevant and sustainable.
Direct Service Delivery
Hands-on support to children and families in need.
Creative Learning
Arts-based methodologies that inspire and engage.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration with stakeholders for maximum impact.
Impact Monitoring
Measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
Our Founders
At the heart of CMF is a simple but powerful conviction: education should go beyond academics and help prepare children with the human skills that technology cannot replace — creativity, communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, discipline, and self-expression.
Maricel Romero Cantillo
Maricel Romero Cantillo is a Colombian intercultural leader, business management expert, and development practitioner committed to expanding opportunities for children and young people.
With over a decade of experience across business, project management, and international cooperation, she has built her work around one central belief: every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
As Co-Founder and Founding Director of Create My Future Foundation, Maricel leads initiatives that combine education, creative and performing arts, socio-emotional development, and community support to help children build confidence, resilience, creativity, leadership, and other essential human skills that will continue to matter in the future.
She also serves as the Honorary Consul of Colombia in Nigeria and is a Non-Executive Director at Threemplus Integrated Enterprises Ltd. Her experience across diplomacy, business, and social impact has strengthened her conviction that sustainable development is most effective when communities, institutions, and the private sector work together to create meaningful opportunities for future generations.
Through CMF, Maricel continues to champion a future in which children and young people are equipped not only with access to education, but also with the confidence, creativity, and life skills needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
Mohammed S. Jammal
Mohammed S. Jammal is Co-Founder of Create My Future Foundation and shares in the vision of helping children and young people build stronger foundations for the future.
His contribution to CMF reflects a strong commitment to community-centered impact and to creating supportive environments where children and young people can learn, grow, and develop their potential.
As Co-Founder, he has helped shape an organization that looks beyond immediate need and works to support children through education, youth engagement, structured development opportunities, and community-based initiatives that strengthen both confidence and possibility.
Why CMF Was Founded
CMF was created in response to a clear reality: too many children and young people face barriers that affect not only their access to education, but also their ability to build confidence, develop practical life skills, and fully explore their potential.
The foundation was established to help bridge that gap through a more holistic approach — one that combines learning with creativity, discipline, care, expression, and community support.
Rather than seeing children only through the lens of need, CMF was built on the belief that every child carries potential that can be nurtured, strengthened, and meaningfully developed.
Learn More About CMF's Work
Discover our programs, impact, and the many ways to partner with us in shaping confident, capable, and future-ready generations.