Deborah of #Slum2School Initiative is Now a Secondary School Graduate ?

Community organizer and social entrepreneur Otto Orondaam is proud to announce that Deborah, one of the children who were out of school and enrolled in primary school as pioneer beneficiaries of the Slum2School initiative in 2012, is now a secondary school graduate.

According to Slum2School, “Deborah demonstrated admirable determination to learn in the classroom, and despite her efforts, she was on the verge of dropping out again in 2018. Her mother wanted her to drop out of school to learn a trade or even marry because she couldn’t progress to the next class.”

Deborah had been told in 2018 that she could not move on to the next class in Makoko after she failed mathematics in her promotion exam for scoring 47%, despite excelling in other subjects as an Art student.

Otto Orondaam, Founder of Slum2School shared Deborah’s story while advocating for a “review of educational policy and an evaluation of Nigeria’s educational system during a panel session by beneficiaries on The Platform NG.”

After listening to Deborah’s story, Daisy Idahosa graciously offered her a full scholarship to continue her senior secondary education at Word of Faith Schools in Abuja where she was placed in a special Mathematics class and grew to become one of the best students in her class, captain of the school’s soccer team, and an exceptional dining prefect.

Now, Deborah is graduating from Senior Secondary School in ‘exemplary style’, ready to study Accounting at the University and according to Otto Orondaam, “her love for maths has soared”.

“Every time we tell Deborah’s story, we are inspired to stand in the gap to ensure that more children in underserved communities have access to quality education,” Slum2School shared while soliciting support for the #IAmMoreCampaign.

Sharing the inspiring news on social media, Otto wrote:

Join us in Celebrating a great milestone. We are so proud of Deborah and everyone who has been part of her success. ❤

Special thanks to @ag_wordoffaith and @wofschoolabuja for the scholarship offer to our kids ❤❤Many thanks to all her @slum2school mentors in Abuja who have supported her over the years @arg8.2 @boomieeeee1 @ajibikejimohignites @yoleme__ @confidence_nnamdi and the entire team in Abuja.

Congrats Deborah and all other kids who just graduated. We are proud of you all #LetsDoMore ?#OttoOrondaam #Slum2School

Swipe below for photos and videos of Deborah’s story:

Photo Credit: @slum2school