"Every great achievement starts with a single step." Over the past five weeks, our beneficiaries at Slum2School took many of those steps, diving into the world of technology with HP's support. From mobile app development to Python programming, data science, and even robotics, these learners have explored the digital frontier with curiosity and excitement.

On Friday, 20th September we gathered with learners at Adekunle Anglican Primary School. Makoko, Yaba. Lagos to celebrate their journey and accomplishments in the Tech world within the long summer period Bootcamp.

The closing ceremony was not just an end but the beginning of something extraordinary. It was a moment filled with pride, joy, and the realization that these young minds are now equipped to make a mark in the tech world.
During the program, the learners immersed themselves in various tech fields, gaining hands-on experience in mobile application development, web development, coding with Python, and more.

The Hackathon was a highlight, offering them a platform to put theory into practice. They built projects from scratch, applying what they learned to solve real-world problems.
One of our learners, Inioluwa, shared her experience: “I had never coded before this training, and now I can build a simple app and write Python scripts! The Hackathon was challenging, but it pushed me to think outside the box and really understand how to turn ideas into reality.”

Another participant, Ayorinde, expressed his excitement: “I loved every bit of the training, I was able to learn from every aspect of tech that we were taught. I never thought I would be able to build something from start to finish.
This training has made me realize that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Their enthusiasm and newfound confidence are a testament to the power of learning and the incredible potential within each of them.

The dedication to empowering young minds with technology made this programme possible with the incredible support from HP with vissible evidence throughout the program.

Emmanuel Asika, the Country Manager for HP said, “It was inspiring to attend the closing of the HP STEM Bootcamp and witness how today’s youth are seizing opportunities many of us didn’t have growing up.
Collaborations like this are vital, and at HP, our commitment to digital equity is just beginning. These young innovators learning web development, robotics, and data analytics will be the future leaders of our digital transformation.”

For us at Slum2School, this program represents a significant step in our mission to provide quality education and opportunities to children in underserved communities.

Adekunle Idowu, the Project and Campaign Manager at Slum2School Africa, who played a key role in organizing the training, remarked, “It's incredible to see how far these kids have come in just four weeks. They've learned so much, and it's clear that they are ready to take on more challenges in the tech world. We’re grateful to HP for their partnership and are excited to see our beneficiaries apply these skills to real-life situations.”

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts and certificates to learners who excelled throughout the program. These young tech enthusiasts, who demonstrated outstanding creativity, determination, and skill, were celebrated for their remarkable achievements.

The recognition was not just a reward but also a symbol of the bright futures ahead of them. As we handed out certificates at the closing ceremony, it was clear that this is just the beginning for these young tech enthusiasts.

They are now equipped with valuable skills and the confidence to explore further. Whether it's building more apps, diving deeper into data science, or exploring new frontiers in robotics, we know they are ready to make an impact.

Slum2School remains committed to creating more opportunities like this, working with partners like HP to empower the next generation of tech leaders. This training has shown us what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.

This 5-week tech training has been a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration. As our learners move forward, we’re excited to see them continue to break barriers and create meaningful change in their communities. Here’s to many more stories of success and innovation!

madridguy:
He has played his part in the movement. May Allah accept his soul and other brave warriors.

.

Guy, im kinda certain you're a terrorist or have a terrorist affiliation

Oshiomole is a big idiot that had his way thru the political scene base on the good perception, his people have for him but he has shown has distasteful he is.
It will be a big shame for edo people if they allow Apc grab the seat of power.

madridguy:
I wish the dead among the victim good and eternal rest. To the wounded ones, speedy recovery brave soldiers.

You be terrorist?

With the current economic hardship faced by many families across underserved communities in Nigeria, several children are finding it difficult to return to school as the new academic year begins.

Parents whose children were seen at home on the first day of school complained that the lack of resources had prevented their children from resuming on the first day of school.

Realities like this have led to the increasing number of drop-outs from primary and secondary schools, and challenges like this are reasons why United Airlines, in partnership with Slum2School Africa, decided to spend three days between the 11th to 13th of September 2024, providing support to the most marginalized children across remote villages and urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria.

For three immersive days, a diverse team of United Airlines management and staff from the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana and Nigeria, together with Slum2School volunteers and staff, embarked on a journey across land and water to reach over a thousand children and provide them with needed school supplies, including school bags, exercise books, mathematical sets, pencil packs, crayon and several other learning materials, to kick off the new academic year.

This wasn’t just a CSR activity but an adventure filled with passion, love, and the goal of transforming lives.

Day one began in Makoko, Slum2School’s pioneer community in the Lagos mainland, Slum2School Africa has supported thw education of more than 23,000 children, youths and families since 2012.

Jermell Stills, Community Manager of United Airlines described the tour as a life-changing experience.

The children were also excited to receive their school supplies, while the community leaders equally showed deep appreciation for the impactful gesture.

The following day took the team to the remote island of Saga in Epe, where they encountered firsthand the daily challenges encountered by the children, including a grueling 35-minute trek to and from school, often having to wade through water barefoot without any protective.

Despite these hardships, the children welcomed the team with enthusiasm, performing songs and cultural dances that brought the community to life.

Their smiles stretched from ear to ear as they took turns collecting their new school materials, expressing gratitude and excitement to be returning to school fully equipped.

On the 3rd and final day, the team was welcomed in the Tarkwa Bay community with traditional cultural performances, including energetic dances and spoken word poetry from the children.

The expressions of gratitude were touching, as one student shared, "Thank you for not just giving us books, but for believing in us."

Grace Harris, a member of the United Airlines team, shared her reflections after the final day in Tarkwa Bay. "I can see a lot of good learning going on here: vocational training, art, home economics, and so much more.
These are activities many children out there don’t have access to, but Slum2School is making it possible. The joy and optimism these kids radiate is a big lesson for all of us."

She revealed that, "Visiting Saga and seeing the reality of how these kids struggle to commute to school every day shows how much they value education. When they’re empowered with the right tools, they can truly become whatever they aspire to be."

The event was more than just about distributing backpacks, writing materials and school supplies; it was about creating moments of joy and connection.

Refreshments were shared, and the children had time to bond with the volunteers through mentorship sessions, reinforcing the message that education is not just about school, it’s about a community that cares.

At the end of the journey, the volunteers and partners, though physically tired, were filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, the Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa at United Airlines, who led the United Airlines team, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved. "What seemed like a mission impossible is now a mission accomplished," she remarked, appreciating every single person who contributed to the success of the event.

Orondaam Otto, the founder and Executive Director of Slum2School Africa, also shared his heartfelt gratitude to the United Airlines team, volunteers, and everyone who made the journey possible. "We’ve touched many lives on this journey, but there’s still so much more to do," Orondaam shared. "Let’s continue to come together, because there are millions of children waiting for their chance to be seen, heard, and supported."

The collaboration between Slum2School and United Airlines proves that with the right partnerships and unwavering passion, we can not only equip children with the tools they need for school but also inspire them to dream bigger.

Hope dem no go call am igbo victimization now that the outlet is sealed

chopnaira:
No wonder Aishat Yesufu was twerking like a mad woman with that her hijab. Madam chop so much money that she relocated to America after the elections 😂

You're wrong cos Madam Aisha Yesufu is right here in Nigeria with us, criticizing and analysing the bad policies of this crooked nation.

Which kind useless sleep be that wey flood still come move you from your own location to another.

Ajuri resigned cos he has seen the fake propaganda he's been pushing isn't gonna stop..
He decided to stay off cos the blood of the innocent killed on a daily basis in the country keep piling up.

You look very ugly and im sure youve been feeding fat on what the guy has been sending to you instead of developing yourself.
Thank God the guy finally get sense

That road was not bad during obasanjo administration

You'll miss those ur kurukere waka

Miele stop bye drop message for mufti menk collect OT for the next line of action base on say 🔥 be like say dey touch am for yansh

Wike and Damagum shouldn't be PDP members again, the party as an institution have the right to expel them.

All hail israel... God's own country

I just pray you guys come to logical solution to this brouhaha

Dey play..
Shebi its Ben Bruce organized pageantry, the next we will hear is that she has been declared as the miss Universe at the event just to spite SA even when we have other beautiful and innovative contestants.
Na naija we dey nah.

festacman:
The logical way Peter Okoye communicated his side of the story shows obviously that he hired a PR Professional. I mean the way he carefully emphasized some points to project himself and paint Paul as the bad guy who destroyed Square and kept looking for his trouble has professional touch.

Even the way this statement on EFCC is crafted drastically watered down Paul's grievance that his twin brother dragged him to EFCC.

In this life, always hire a professional to give you an edge.

My brother, i am dazed at the response from peter right now cos he swayed everything to favor him.
That Jude is a devil.

All these our pastors ehn, even Jesus sef go dey trip for their own miracle that defies all odd

Nigeria, Our Pastors have gone Beserk..

When the government and leadership of the society is in disarray, the onus is on the religious and traditional leaders including elder statesmen to intervene and offer advisories through consultation and dialogue for a better way out of such debacle but in the case of our pastors, what they see is an avenue to enrich their pocket and increase their church structure.

We have witnessed many pastors take advantage of the ineptitude of government to deceive their followers to adhere to their self proclaimed doctrines and styles of fanatism all at the detriment of the gullible followers. Churches and mosques now have Universities their members cannot attend, while their offerings and tithe are the major financial bedrock of such institutions, yet the moral decadence in our present society is on an increasing speed of retrogression.

Many so called men of God have turned themselves into god of men whose authority can not be challenged while they leave flamboyantly without a second thought of how their flocks fare. Even Jesus christ looked out for his lost sheep when they go astray just as he admonished leaders to look out for those they were chosen to lead.

How come we now have pastors turned business men acquiring properties in the name of church expansion project yet the documents are boldly titled to their names, numerous pastors have even gone way beyond their foreign counterparts in building gigantic edifices while their subjects wallow in abject poverty without expectation of where they get their next meal.

Church empowerment is now a charade cos you can only get empowered base on your investment into church projects and your submission to the church hierarchy. Some pastors have turned to marriage counselors and demigod in some homes, pastors now decide when a man should have sexual intercourse with his wife while they have sexual access to their members wife without any hindrance all in the name of casting out spells and offering deliverance.

Mantles, water and oil have become a source of wealth accumulation for many pastors to the extent where we now have deliverance water authorized by NAFDAC flooding our marketplace even though Jesus christ gave out all of these items for free without any gratification yet these churches don't pay taxes.

Numerous churches and pastors ranging from white garment, pentecostal and orthodox churches without exception of any denomination are all engaged in this fraudulent acts without fear of prosecutions from the government, the church have become an independent nation on its own in our nation all because when it's electioneering period they become a safe haven for politicians to propel their lies to gullible members all for a promise to give their church a face-lift and opportunity to be part of the government in power.

I have seen pastors refuse to take up assignment in rural areas all because there will be paucity of funds to cater for their personal affluence in such areas, there are several ritualist cum pastors in the society looking for whom to use for their church growth, this shows the extent to which we find ourself as a nation bequeathed with spiritual deception that we can't grow as a nation without a church.

Government should wake up from slumber and do the needful by check mating all the activities of religious institutions and leadership in our country before they bastardize the society at large, we may have the highest number of churches yet our characters are not in tandem with global best practices of what a True Christian should be.

I have seen pastors go to jail for fraud, rape, cannibalism and other numerous crimes to mention but that doesn't mean there are no good pastors just that the fake ones are much more than the good ones and it's obvious that followers are so blind to see how they are being deceived.

It's time for government to do the needful and clean up the religious space for the poor to breathe, government can't stifle the masses and the church where we all feel we can take solace have become the place of victimization and oppression of the people.

Incomplete news cos you didn't even tell us the names of the arrested suspect.

When you find capable hands leading a state, the Turn Around is always impressive.
I just wish we can have a formidable opposition in Nigeria.
Governor Otti is doing well in Abia

This is bad for a community leader

She and her father goofed when they decided to twist ADESHINA for Adetshina just as ADETOKUNBO changed to Antetokoumpo.
That's an unpatriotic act on the part of the father all because of SA citizenship.
Nonetheless, she should come home and compete if she go see Top 20.
Here is her Home.. Naija we hail thee..

The point at which your kids are taken away from you cos of a correction isn't the best way..
Culture and perspective differs..

Bros.. You're a damn Pussy being manipulated by a Pussy all for a Pussy

It's obvious we are yet to see the worse cos this is just a scratch of the periphery.
Sorosoke 2

No sane and educated indidvidual should attend Chosen cos they are all brainwashed.
I guess their own god is different from the Almighty God.

In Nigeria with the Tinubu led APC at the helm of power, nothing is working

If the other portion of the road is good, the driver won't pass one way.
I saw the accident this afternoon while returning from ilaro, I can bet you that there is no good road from abule agba U-turn till you reach abeokuta so there is no way you won't drive one way.
We should hold government accountable for their actions.
Lastma could give unnecessary information but they can't tell us the road is bad

Our judiciary is monetarily bastardized, thats why the same thing is playing out in Kano.
How come federal might wield more power than the directive of a Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of a state.
Anyhow Tinubu led APC wan play dis dirty politics we shall all see the end

Our boarding school system need a thorough check, where was the person in charge of the hall when all this happened?
Naija we hail thee