Slum2School Africa Celebrates Deborah Hunsungan’s Convocation at Benson Idahosa University

Deborah holding her B.Sc. in Accounting award and her Award of Service as the chaplain of Benson Idahosa University,  Heritage campus.

It was still dark when the Slum2School Africa team set out from Lagos, heading to Benin City to witness a moment that had been more than a decade in the making. The early morning air was heavy with dust and anticipation as our bus sped through the long, bumpy roads, a journey that reflected the very path Deborah Hunsungan had walked: filled with challenges, determination, and faith.

Deborah embracing her uncle, Mr. Matthew with her mother and brother sharing in the joy 

After hours of travel through traffic and uneven roads, we finally arrived at Benson Idahosa University, weary but excited. And there she was; Deborah, radiant in her flowing black gown and golden sash, her face glowing with pride and disbelief.

The moment she saw her family and our team, she ran into her mother’s arms. Tears, laughter, tight hugs, the air was filled with emotion. Deborah’s joy was contagious as she embraced her uncle Matthew, her brother Segun, and Mr. Ekene, our Administration and Logistics Manager, who had come to represent the organization that had walked beside her for over a decade.

It was a full-circle moment, the little girl from Makoko, once uncertain about her future, was now a graduate.

Deborah, her colleague and her family with Slum2School Africa Team

Together, we walked to the convocation hall, surrounded by the hum of celebration. The golden rays of the sun lit up the vibrant crowd of parents, friends, and students in caps and gowns. Deborah’s name echoed through the hall as she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, graduating with an impressive 4.70 CGPA, the highest in her department.

Her mother stood tall, beaming through tears as cameras clicked and congratulations poured in. The pride in that moment was beyond words; pride not just for Deborah, but for what her success represented for every child from underserved communities who still dreams of a better life.

Deborah embracing her mom while her brother shares in the joy wearing her graduation gown.

Mrs. Hunsungan – Deborah’s Mother

“I extend a very big thank you to Slum2School for their amazing work,” she said with tears in her eyes. “It’s not just Deborah, all my children have benefited. I’m grateful for the support from secondary school to university and now to her graduation! May the organization continue to grow and never go down. Thank you for coming all the way to Benin to celebrate this day with us. And thank you to Mr. Otto Orondaam and Benson Idahosa University, this day brings nothing but joy and honor.”

Mr. Matthew Hunsungan – Deborah’s Uncle

“We give thanks to Slum2School for their support,” he said. “I’ve watched Deborah grow, and I’m proud of her. I also give thanks to her mother for her care and commitment. Slum2School has done something special, may it continue to grow, and may Deborah’s education help her do great things in life. To God be the glory.”

Mr. Ekene – Administration & Logistics Manager, Slum2School Africa

“I remember when Deborah came to Abuja in 2018, young, shy, but eager to learn,” he recalled. “At Word of Faith Secondary School, she excelled, won awards, and was part of the school’s football team. Then she went on to university and continued to shine. She faced challenges but never gave up. Today, I’m proud of her and the woman she’s becoming. Greater things await her.”

Deborah’s Reflections

When Deborah spoke, her voice shook with emotion.
“I’m Deborah Hunsungan, a graduate of Accounting from Benson Idahosa University,” she began. “Slum2School found me in 2012, when I was in Primary Six in Makoko. They’ve supported me since then, through secondary school, through failure and second chances, through university. When I failed SS2, I thought it was the end, but Slum2School didn’t give up on me.

“They sponsored my education, supported my feeding and accommodation, and today, I’m graduating with a 4.70 CGPA. I didn’t even know my family would come, but Slum2School brought them all the way from Lagos to Benin. I’m so grateful because I don’t know where I’d be without them. Thank you, Slum2School, for believing in me. I’ll carry this love and impact everywhere I go.”

Segun – Deborah’s Brother

“My name is Segun, and I’m so proud of my sister. Seeing her graduate today is the best feeling ever. Thank you, Slum2School Africa, for giving her and us this joy.”

Deborah’s story is one of thousands, children whose lives are being transformed through education and opportunity. At Slum2School Africa, we believe that every child deserves a chance to dream, learn, and thrive.

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