On a bustling Lagos street, children huddle under the dim glow of a streetlamp, scribbling diligently in worn-out notebooks. Their classroom consists of old planks precariously balanced on stones, but none of this deters them. For these children, education is everything—a beacon of hope amid their challenging realities.
“You know the alphabet?” A little girl, no older than eight, asks with a mix of curiosity and determination. Chalk dust lines her fingers as she proudly writes her name in a tattered notebook. “Yes!” her friend replies enthusiastically, holding up a crumpled piece of paper. “I can write A, B, C now!”
For many of these children, formal education is a distant dream. Yet, initiatives like Slum2School Africa are working to transform that dream into reality, one child at a time.
Slum2School Africa was founded in 2012 by Otto Orondaam, a visionary social entrepreneur determined to bridge the educational gap for marginalised children in Nigerian slums. The organisation aims to provide access to quality education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for children who would otherwise be left behind.
Operating in underserved communities across Lagos, Abuja and even other African countries like Ghana and Liberia, Slum2School Africa’s mission is simple: to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, experiences the transformative power of education.
Take 14-year-old Tobi Damilare from Ajegunle, one of Lagos’ most disadvantaged areas. Before Slum2School, Tobi spent her days helping her mother in her shop, unfamiliar with the inside of a classroom. Today, dressed in a bright yellow uniform, she dreams of becoming a doctor.
“Before Slum2School, I couldn’t read or write,” Tobi shares. “Now, I’m in secondary school, and I believe I can achieve anything.”
Similarly, Adeola Kingsley, a 10-year-old from Makoko’s coastal slums, discovered his passion for numbers through the program. “I love math and science,” he beams. “I want to be an engineer. Before Slum2School, education wasn’t an option for me. Now, I wake up excited to learn something new every day.”
These children are no longer defined by their circumstances. They are learners, dreamers and future leaders, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Slum2School Africa.
Beyond the Classroom
Slum2School Africa’s approach goes beyond traditional education. Recognising the multifaceted challenges faced by slum communities—health issues, unsafe learning environments, and hunger—the organisation addresses these barriers head-on.
For example, extracurricular programs such as sports and music sessions build confidence and leadership skills, while health outreach ensures the children are physically prepared to learn.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the organisation’s model. Volunteers from diverse fields—lawyers, doctors, business leaders—donate their time and expertise, guiding children academically and personally.
“When I started volunteering, I didn’t realise how much impact I could make,” says Chinonso Azubike, a 28-year-old lawyer. “It’s not just about teaching math or reading; it’s about showing these kids that they are worthy of a brighter future.”
Slum2School also engages parents, local leaders, and community stakeholders to shift attitudes toward education. Many families, dependent on their children’s labour, initially resist the idea of schooling. Through dialogue and support, the organisation has helped change perceptions, fostering a culture that values learning.
A Future of Endless Possibilities
Since its inception, Slum2School Africa has enrolled thousands of children in schools, giving them the tools to learn, grow, and thrive. While challenges persist, the organisation’s vision remains unwavering: to ensure that no child in Nigeria is left behind.
Through stories like Tobi’s and Adeola’s, Slum2School demonstrates that education can break the cycle of poverty and open doors to limitless possibilities.
As night falls over Lagos, children like Tobi and Adeola continue to write, learn, and dream under the streetlights. Their journey is just beginning, and with Slum2School Africa by their side, their futures are brighter than ever.
On the busy streets of Lagos, children gather under streetlamps, turning their focus to education despite minimal resources. For many, formal education is a distant dream, but organizations like Slum2School Africa are closing this gap. Founded in 2012 by Otto Orondaam, Slum2School Africa aims to provide access to quality education and mentorship in Nigerian slums. The initiative not only operates in Lagos but has expanded to Abuja and countries like Ghana and Liberia, ensuring education's transformative power reaches all children regardless of circumstances.
Slum2School's impact is evident in stories of children like 14-year-old Tobi and 10-year-old Adeola, who have transitioned from no educational opportunities to pursuing dreams as a doctor and engineer, respectively. The organization's programs go beyond academics by addressing health, safety, and hunger in slum communities, and by offering extracurricular activities to build confidence and essential skills. Mentorship from diverse professionals further enriches the children's learning experience.
By engaging parents and local leaders, Slum2School fosters a cultural shift towards valuing education, transforming community attitudes. Since its inception, thousands of children have been enrolled in schools, breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking a future of endless possibilities. The dedicated efforts of volunteers and the organization's commitment ensure that children continue to dream and aspire for a brighter future, no longer confined by their circumstances.
