Slum2School Africa hosts US Consulate General Will Stevens
The vibrant community of Makoko, a slum community in Lagos, came alive in a celebration of talent, creativity, and innovation as Slum2School Africa hosted its Summer Skills Showcase at the Slum2School STEM and Innovation Centre in Makoko community.
This special event also marked the closing ceremony of Slum2School’s summer boot camp, a 4-week intensive skills development program aimed at developing the skills and building on the talents of children living in the Makoko, Adekunle, and Aiyetoru communities of Yaba, Lagos State.
The excitement was palpable, especially with the presence of the US Consulate General, Will Stevens, together with other staffers from the US Consulate General, in Lagos, Nigeria. The day began with the welcoming of the guests by Mr. Orondaam Otto, the Founder/Executive Director of Slum2School Africa, who appreciated the entire guests and especially the US Consulate General, who has been a great advocate for education and the work that Slum2School Africa does. The learners then took charge of the event, serving as anchors and MCs, demonstrating maturity and confidence that immediately impressed the audience.
Their poised spoken word presentations followed, setting the tone for a day full of creativity and inspiration. Next, the school’s choir filled the air with harmonious melodies that drew warm smiles and applause from everyone, including Stevens and his team.
What truly stood out, however, was the tour that followed. Will Stevens, along with other guests including representatives from United Airlines, shared words of mentorship to the children as they walked through the different pillars of the summer camp, each one brimming with the children’s work.
The Summer Skills program was built on Slum2School’s 7 Pillars methodology that ensures that each child’s potential is discovered and developed. From vibrant art pieces in the creative arts department to fashion showcases and culinary creations in the Home Economics department where clothes were made out of old magazine papers, bagco sacs, and disposable cups. In the STEM department, where the kids had built moving buses and cars out of bamboo, torchlights and drones to the sustainability department, where we saw chairs and wall clocks made out of recycled tires, it was clear that these kids had poured their hearts into every project they had learnt over the past months. The creativity on display left the visitors amazed , with Stevens commenting on how deeply moved he was by the talent level of Makoko and the outstanding support and belief Slum2School Africa has shown them.
“It’s so inspiring to see the incredible work Slum2School is doing here in Makoko. It’s so exciting to see the incredible talents and works the kids have done. Keep up the good work. Slum2School is such an inspirational program, and we love to see the work you do for the kids,” said Stevens.
The showcase continued with lively cultural performances as the children celebrated their heritage through colorful dance and music, drawing cheers from the crowd. Afterward, the football match took place, with the younger kids taking the field first, followed by the adults.
The game featured the Blue and Grey teams, while an enthusiastic crowd cheered on their favorite side, adding to the excitement and energy of the day. Stevens, in a lighthearted moment, couldn’t resist joining in, kicking a ball around with some of the kids. It was one of those spontaneous moments that brought everyone together.
As the event came to a close, Stevens was invited to present a cup to the winners of the summer cup. His admiration for the kids shone through as he congratulated them on their efforts, particularly commenting on the delicious zobo made by the kids, which he said was the best he had ever tasted since he has been in Nigeria
One of the most memorable highlights of the day came when Will Stevens was presented with a special award by Mustapha Oseni
