Inspiring Stories from Slum2School Africa: Journeys of Hope and Transformation

Slum2School Africa is a volunteer-driven NGO founded in 2012 by Otto Orondaam in Lagos, Nigeria. It focuses on providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and support to children in slums and remote communities, helping them break the cycle of poverty. The organization has impacted over 7,000 children through enrollment, mentorship, and innovative programs like the Green Academy and digital learning initiatives. Below, I recount key success stories of beneficiaries, drawn from their experiences of overcoming hardship through education and community support. These tales highlight resilience, determination, and the life-changing power of Slum2School’s interventions.

1. Mary Sunuvun: From Slum Teacher to University Graduate and Educator

Mary Sunuvun grew up in Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos, where poverty limited dreams. She finished secondary school in 2014 at age 18, aspiring to university while her peers married young or entered labor. Her parents—a fisherman father and market trader mother—supported her amid financial struggles. Mary took the JAMB exam five times without success and taught in a community classroom for ₦7,000 monthly, inspiring students with stories of possibility despite her own setbacks.

In 2018, a viral BBC video about a Makoko teacher (initially misidentified as Mary) led Slum2School volunteers to find her. She joined as a community volunteer, advocating for out-of-school children, conducting home visits, and mentoring girls. That year, she gained admission but couldn’t afford fees. Slum2School provided JAMB prep; she scored 194/400 and applied to universities. Facing delays and marriage pressure at 23, supporters—including Bishop Feb Idahosa—secured a scholarship to Benson Idahosa University in 2019 for Mass Communication and Journalism, making her the first in her family to attend university.

Mary graduated in 2024 with a Second Class Upper degree, celebrated as her community’s first graduate. Seeing persistent out-of-school children, she launched “Mary’s Gift” with Slum2School, profiling homes and enrolling 204 children across seven communities by 2024. During National Youth Service, she honed teaching skills. Slum2School hired her as a teacher at the Green Academy in Makoko—the area’s first school in over a decade. Today, Mary inspires hundreds, especially girls, emphasizing education as a right.

United Airlines partners with Slum2School Africa – Slum2School Africa

2. David Amosu: From Out-of-School Teen to Harmonious Achiever

David Amosu, found by Slum2School in 2018 at age 14, had stopped dreaming after years out of school in a Lagos slum. Facing poverty, he was years behind peers and enrolled in Primary 4. Slum2School provided scholarships, mentorship, and resources to help him catch up.

Through the program, David rediscovered his passion for rhythm and music, turning struggles into harmony. Today, he’s not only in school but excelling in creative pursuits, representing the organization’s success in holistic development. His story underscores how education reignites potential in underserved youth.

This Nigerian program is focused on helping kids stay in school …

3. Elijah Hunbiye: A Tale of Hard Work and Determination

Elijah Hunbiye, a 16-year-old beneficiary in 2021, inspires with his story of perseverance. Growing up in a Lagos slum, he faced poverty and limited opportunities but joined Slum2School’s program, receiving scholarships and support to stay in school.

Elijah’s dedication teaches lessons in hard work amid storms. By 2025, he works as a website designer at Slum2School, contributing back to the organization that changed his life. His journey from beneficiary to staff highlights Slum2School’s impact in building skills and fostering self-reliance.

This Nigerian program is focused on helping kids stay in school …

4. Dosun Sharon: Dreaming Big Through Education

Dosun Sharon, a junior secondary student and beneficiary, shares that as a child, she dreamed of a better life despite slum hardships. Slum2School provided her with scholarships and mentorship, enabling her to pursue education.

Today, she credits the organization for helping her envision success, emphasizing how support turned aspirations into reality. Her story is featured in Children’s Day highlights, showcasing Slum2School’s role in inspiring young dreamers.

BN Making It!: From Life in The Bank, Orondaam Otto of Slum2School …

5. Rejoice Aluyi (Zainab’s Story): Overcoming Slum Challenges

Rejoice Aluyi, a beneficiary, recounts her life as Zainab, the eldest of four in a slum where poverty dashed hopes. Slum2School enrolled her, providing education and opportunities that transformed her outlook.

She now shares her story to motivate others, illustrating success through perseverance. Her narrative reflects many beneficiaries’ paths from despair to empowerment.

6. The 21 Kids Triumph at Lagos Kids Marathon

In 2021, 21 Slum2School beneficiaries excelled at the Lagos Kids Marathon, winning 8 major trophies. From slums, these children trained with the organization’s support, turning effort into achievement.

This group success story symbolizes how Slum2School fosters not just academics but also physical and competitive growth, building confidence and community pride.

7. Sisianu and Mustapha: Exceptional Graduates

Sisianu and Mustapha, celebrated in 2022, graduated from Word Of Faith School in Abuja with outstanding results. As Slum2School beneficiaries, they overcame slum barriers through scholarships.

Their story inspires, showing education’s power to elevate lives and create future leaders.

These stories represent a fraction of Slum2School’s impact, with over 700 beneficiaries like those in Makoko under scholarships since 2012. The organization continues enrolling children, as seen in 2023’s drive for 510 kids across 11 communities. For more, visit their site or follow their updates.