Maltina best teacher launches education foundation for slum children

Serah Yusuf, the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year, has launched a new initiative, the Sustainable Education and Empowerment through Digital Foundation (SEED Foundation), dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children in underserved and slum communities. The foundation, unveiled in Abuja, focuses on transforming these communities through education, digital literacy, mentorship, leadership development, and empowerment programs.

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SEED Foundation was established to ensure that children in slum and underserved communities are not defined by their environment but by their potential.

Yusuf, who teaches at Wisdom International School of Excellence in Abuja, won the N10 million grand prize in the 11th Maltina Teacher of the Year competition in November 2025. Having emerged from a slum herself, Yusuf has become a strong advocate for underprivileged children. Prior to the foundation's launch, her “Voice from the Slum” Initiative provided financial aid, textbooks, school fees, uniforms, and sanitary pads to children in need.

During the unveiling ceremony, Yusuf explained that the SEED Foundation aims to reshape the futures of children in disadvantaged areas by broadening their access to learning. She stated that the initiative seeks to help children “thrive through learning, discover brighter futures, and fulfil their purpose in life.” Yusuf emphasized the need for collective action to bridge the educational gap, noting that many talented children are held back by circumstances beyond their control. “SEED Foundation was established to ensure that children in slum and underserved communities are not defined by their environment but by their potential,” she said.

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Through education, digital skills, mentorship and empowerment, we want them to see beyond their current realities and embrace a future filled with possibilities.

In addition to launching the foundation, Yusuf introduced her new book, "Practical English Made Easy for Nigerian Students: Integrating Digital Tools for JSS 1–SSS 3," designed to make English language learning more practical and relevant in the digital age. The event also recognized outstanding young creative writers, with the aim of promoting literacy and critical thinking. Furthermore, a fully funded scholarship for Ayodele Grate, covering education from junior secondary school to university, was presented through the support of Kabir Abass, the Technical Manager of Wisdom International School of Excellence. Digital devices were also provided to two students, Noko Modester and Uche Destiny, who had been mentored by Yusuf.

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Practical English Made Easy for Nigerian Students: Integrating Digital Tools for JSS 1–SSS 3