We opened a School to Change Mindsets.

Some weeks ago, I was invited to speak to a group of Christian leaders and theological studies students about our work at Street to School Initiative. This is one emotional task for me. It usually, is. 

So, after much preparations. I set off to the meeting place.

At the scheduled hour. I was ushered in to a warm reception by transformational leaders. Nigerians and Non-Nigerians. The serenity. The expectations.

I loved the atmosphere, already. 

After 55 minutes of my narration. A few questions were asked, and I answered them, as much as I could. However, one question, just one question, could do the throwing, off balance! A double-barreled question. Apparently, the seeker sought to understand our model and plan for the kids, after primary education. 

 ‘Sponsoring street kids & out-of-school children to school is pretty cool’

‘It’s a brilliant idea to run a tuition-free elementary school for out of school children in underserved communities, however, what next after primary education?’

'What happens to the kids?’ 

At Street to School Initiative, our primary focus, is ensuring basic education for all, regardless of the gender, race, and financial circumstances etc. illiteracy is disempowering. Formal learning fosters positive mindset. It promotes economic growth and development. So, we are passionate about ensuring that no child is left behind. 

Over the years, we have supported hundreds of kids to acquire formal learning. At some point, we decided to open a school to close a prison door in a community where accessibility to affordable schools, was poor, and youth restiveness, crime and substance abuse was prevalent. The more educated people are, the less criminally inclined, they would be. We understand.

After primary education, what next? Do you sponsor their secondary education? The questions keep reechoing. It wasn’t the first time such a question would be asked. It stands as a constant reminder that there is still so much to be done, after elementary learning. 

To make learning continuous for our learners, we ensure that every one of them is enrolled for the national common examination into public high schools, which is most affordable school, ever. We have been doing this for four years, counting. However, it would amaze you to know that not every one of them resume high school, still. This is largely attributed to lack of funding to meet required charges such as Tax Clearance (N5,100), Birth Certificate, school registration fee (N2,400) etc. So, what do we do..? We step in, again. Ensuring that all bills are cleared. We have got our friends and sponsors to thank for the amazing job they do through us. 

So yesterday was another day to enroll some of our unsettled scholars who haven’t resumed into high school, six weeks, after. We had to pay every bill. And, while at it, we had a throng of past beneficiaries and current students show up, to say hi to us. 

They were amazing. 

Already, we have more than 30 scholars in this government owned school, who are in classes Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 to JSS 3. We are thankful, still.

Written by Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo  Founder Of Street to School Initiative.