The vibrant community of Makoko 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 U.S. Consulate General Will Stevens and other US Consulate General staffers 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 U.S. Consulate General, Will Stevens, 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 a 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 with 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, ensuring 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; in 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 amazed the visitors, 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. – Will 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 occurred, 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. In a lighthearted moment, Stevens 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 ended, 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 Mustapha Oseni presented Will Stevens with a special award on behalf of Slum2School. The award was a symbol of appreciation for his ongoing support of the organization and its mission. Stevens graciously accepted the award, expressing his admiration for the children and the impact Slum2School is making on their lives.

The event concluded on a high note, with words of encouragement from other members of the U.S. Consulate team and representatives from the community, who lauded Slum2School’s mission to bring education and opportunity to the children of Makoko. He emphasized how important it is for organizations like Slum2School Africa to keep going. 

In closing, the Executive Director, Orondaam Otto, concluded the event with a heartfelt appreciation, expressing gratitude to everyone involved, from the U.S. Consulate General to the guests, the volunteers and staff. He celebrated the spirit and achievements of the children and highlighted the importance of community support in Slum2School’s mission. Otto emphasized the joy shared as a foundation for continued commitment to education and empowerment in the community. He encouraged all present to remain committed to being agents of change and thanked them for contributing to a legacy of hope and opportunity, closing the event with a gesture of unity.

The presence of United Airlines added an extra touch of support to the occasion, highlighting the global interest in the incredible work being done in underserved communities . Together, they celebrated not just the end of summer but the beginning of brighter futures for every child involved.