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. This initiative aims to expand educational access and strengthen safeguarding systems for vulnerable child domestic workers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Partnership Goals and Vision
The partnership seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to education faced by child domestic workers in slum, informal, and hard-to-reach riverine settlements. By combining Slum2School Africa's community-led education model with The Freedom Fund's rights-based approach, the initiative aims to restore dignity, opportunity, and hope to vulnerable families. The program emphasizes community ownership, digital inclusion, and holistic support that integrates foundational learning with health, psychosocial care, and infrastructure solutions.
Milestones in Lagos Pilot
In its first phase, the partnership launched an education support initiative in Makoko and other underserved waterfront communities across Lagos Mainland, Ibeju-Lekki, Amuwo-Odofin, Epe, and Badagry Local Government Areas. The program has facilitated the enrollment of 350 child domestic workers into formal schooling and skill acquisition programs, many accessing structured learning for the first time. Learners have received school supplies, orientation sessions, and tailored transition support to improve retention and address foundational learning gaps.
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. A notable training session on 29 November 2025 in Makoko equipped teachers with skills in designing inclusive lesson plans and using storytelling, songs, and drama as therapeutic tools.
Strengthened Child Protection Systems
The partnership enhances referral pathways and coordinated response systems for child protection through collaboration with organizations like Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Ministry of Justice. Quarterly mentorship and psychosocial support sessions have provided safe spaces for child domestic workers to share their experiences and learn coping strategies. In one instance, a child experiencing prolonged abuse was identified through a trained community ambassador, leading to rescue, psychosocial support, and legal action against the perpetrator.
Vocational Skills Development
The program is expanding alternative pathways through vocational skills training in hairdressing and tailoring, helping reduce vulnerability to exploitative labor while strengthening economic resilience. A recent graduation ceremony for child domestic workers saw families traveling long distances to celebrate their children's achievements.
Strategic Priorities and Future Directions
The partnership focuses on expanding access to education, integrating psychosocial support and mentorship, and fostering community-driven design. Looking ahead, the initiative is exploring integration with Slum2School Africa's Green Academy, which introduces sustainability-focused learning and green skills to reduce long-term vulnerability.
Leadership Statements
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."
