Spaces for Change Donates Learning Resources to Lagos Slum School

The 27^th day of June 2014 wasn’t just an ordinary day for pupils and members of the Otto/Ilogbo extension slum community in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area in Lagos State. On that day, Spaces for Change staff and volunteers , led by its executive director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, donated learning resources and materials to the pupils of Young Leaders Academy (YLA), a ramshackle and hastily knocked-up shed that serves as the only nursery and primary school within the slum village.  The school - a one-roomed hall, barely the size of a standard bedroom, with gaping slits and cracks in its wooden walls - is the equivalent of the luxurious Grange School for the slum children. Founded in July 2012 by Musibau De great Agbodemu, a slum dweller himself, YLA was borne out of his quest to ensure that the poorest slum dwellers had access to basic education. 

The narrow footpath leading to the school is marshy and littered with heaps of pungent refuse. Well over 90 pupils in the mornings and 50 in the evenings attend the slum school where subjects like English, Arithmetic, General Knowledge and computer appreciation, are taught. Dr. Deolu Olusodo, pioneer of Society for Love and Social Justice, offers free medical assistance to the pupils.

When compared with standard schools, it is obvious the YLA needs to be expanded and equipped with learning materials for these kids who are the future of Nigeria’s tomorrow. YLA is a place where the poor and downtrodden can have a hope of education and a chance to make something out of life.  During the visit, Spaces for Change executive director, Victoria Ohaeri read story books and nursery rhymes together with the children.  She pored over colored story books the organization had brought for the pupils, showing them pictures of fruits and animals. Mothers of pupils trooped out to thank members of S4C for their generous donations. 

Funke Tega-Phillips, Spaces for Change’s volunteer, seized the opportunity to encourage mothers to assist their wards with homework and other school assignments. “Don’t leave the task of educating the young pupils to the school alone”, she emphasized.  The pupils of YLA could not hide their excitement on seeing the writing materials, text and storybooks, school bags, biscuits and cake that Spaces for Change donated to their school. Members of the community used the medium to appeal to Spaces for Change to help protect their community from recurrent evictions and demolitions. “We want you to beg the government to ensure that slum dwellers are not denied their basic fundamental human rights like housing, education, free health care’ , they pleaded. 

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