Slum2School Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to education for children in underserved communities, has announced a landmark partnership with The Freedom Fund, supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State. The initiative aims to expand access to education and strengthen safeguarding systems for vulnerable child domestic workers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Expanding Access to Education
The partnership focuses on scaling learning opportunities for child domestic workers in high-impact urban and riverine communities, starting with expanded interventions in Makoko and surrounding settlements across Lagos Mainland and other target local government areas. The program has already facilitated the enrollment of 350 child domestic workers into formal schooling and skill acquisition programs, many of whom are accessing structured learning pathways for the first time. Beyond enrollment, learners have received school supplies, orientation sessions, and tailored transition support to improve retention and address foundational learning gaps.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
The initiative is delivered in collaboration with local education stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), school leadership, and school-based management committees. More than 200 community leaders, caregivers, and household heads are actively discouraging child domestic work and promoting education and vocational pathways. Over 280 teachers have been trained in child rights, protection, and inclusive teaching practices, improving early identification and support for vulnerable learners.
Strengthening Child Protection Systems
The partnership enhances referral pathways and coordinated response systems for child protection through collaboration with organizations such as Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Ministry of Justice. In one instance, a child domestic worker experiencing prolonged abuse was identified through a trained community ambassador, triggering a multi-agency response that led to rescue, psychosocial support, and safe reunification with family, along with legal action against the perpetrator.
Vocational Skills Development
The program is expanding alternative pathways through vocational skills training in areas such as hairdressing and tailoring, helping reduce vulnerability to exploitative labor while strengthening economic resilience. A recent graduation ceremony for child domestic workers who completed their training saw families traveling long distances to celebrate their children's achievements.
Strategic Priorities and Future Plans
The partnership is guided by strategic priorities focused on delivering immediate impact and long-term sustainability. These include expanding access to education through tailored learning initiatives, integrating psychosocial support and mentorship, and fostering community-driven design. The initiative is exploring the integration of innovative models such as Slum2School Africa's Green Academy, which introduces children to sustainability-focused learning and green skills. To ensure lasting impact, the program links local schools and community efforts with government education authorities like LASUBEB, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.
Orondaam Otto, Founder and Executive Director of Slum2School Africa, stated: "This partnership with The Freedom Fund, with funding from the U.S. Department of State, marks a pivotal moment in our mission to remove structural barriers to education for child domestic workers long left behind. Together, we are advancing not just access to schools but meaningful, sustained opportunities for learning, growth, and dignity."
Azeez Ajifowoke, Head of Social Work and Safeguarding at Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, added: "When you invest in a child's education, you invest in the whole community. These schoolbags may be small, but the promise inside them is enormous."
