Raising big dreamers from the slum: An education-driven nonprofit celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Like many densely populated cities in the world, Lagos has a large number of slums due to rapid urbanization and the constant search for a better life. Unfortunately, adjoining these numerous slums is the worsening housing problem and the economic instability of the families living in them. The children born into families living in these slums are often on the short end of the stick, as there are certain limitations their environment places on them.
Recognizing this problem, many grassroots movements and organizations have emerged to provide opportunities and support for these children in underserved communities. One such organization dedicated to the progress and development of underprivileged children is the
Dreams From The Slum Empowerment Initiative (DFTS), which celebrated its tenth (10th) year anniversary on October 21, 2023.
What started as a one-time outreach to 22 underprivileged children in the slums of Ajegunle by Isaac Success Omoyele on his 22nd birthday in 2013 has grown to become a decade-old nonprofit that has impacted over 20,000 individuals. This time, ten years ago, Omoyele paid fees for some children, got school supplies for others, and got foodstuffs to help parents and guardians prepare meals for their kids to take to school.
In an interview with Bellanaija, Omoyele said:
“I grew up in Ajegunle... and as a child, I lacked my basic school materials, not to mention a decent meal to school. I was only able to complete my education because I got a full academic scholarship.”
The Impact of DFTS
Omoyele’s birthday outreach morphed into an initiative he titled the Reachout22 Project, through which he organized monthly visits to different schools in the slums of Ajegunle to support children with school needs in the little ways he could help. Over time, the project grew into the organization we see today, where Omoyele and his team use a three-pronged approach of education, empowerment, and mentorship to cater to out-of-school children. The organization also empowers the children’s parents to become financially capable of funding their children’s education through skills training and/or funding to start and grow their businesses.
Dream From The Slum envisions a world where individuals living in slum communities develop the resolve to be more. Its mission is to turn these dreams into reality through the avenues of Education, Empowerment, and Mentorship.
Today, the nonprofit has directly impacted the lives of tens of thousands of children and their families across Lagos and Edo State, Nigeria. Following its flagship projects, the initiative has also launched five projects to foster hope and big dreams for underprivileged people. The chief among these projects is My Dream Stead School, a low-cost, tuition-free school that provides out-of-school children in underserved communities with access to quality education.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact by giving back to the community
On October 21, 2023, Dreams from the Slum celebrated a significant milestone—their 10th year anniversary. The theme for this special occasion was “Insatiable Impact: The Quest for More.” The event was a testament to the organization’s relentless commitment to bringing positive change to the lives of the vulnerable.
A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the community give-back project by the beneficiaries of the Ajegunle Vocational Education Centre, a project initiated by Dreams from the Slum and housed at the Ajegunle Co-working Hub. The beneficiaries embarked on a heartwarming support and appreciation mission for four dedicated police officers stationed at the Wilmer traffic light.
The support gesture was a direct result of the diligent and commendable efforts of these officers in ensuring the free flow of traffic. Their work has had a significant impact on the community, and Dreams from the Slum recognized the need to show appreciation and support.
Wrapping Up
Dreams from the Slum is an organization with a noble vision and an unwavering dedication to making dreams come true. Their impact over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary, touching the lives of thousands of individuals in Lagos, Nigeria. Their three-pronged approach of Education, Empowerment, and Mentorship serves as a beacon of hope for those living in the most challenging conditions.
As they move forward with their quest for “Insatiable Impact,” it is clear that Dreams from the Slum will continue to be a driving force of positive change in the lives of vulnerable individuals. This organization, founded on love and support for fellow humans, is proof that dreams can come true and that with determination and dedication, even the most ambitious dreams are within reach.
Dreams from the Slum has spent a decade making a significant difference in Lagos and Edo state, and Omoyele plans for the organization to have its own property called the Dreams Villa, where its 5 super projects will run seamlessly as DFTS continues to empower people and enable dreams.
