NGO Uses Sports, Debate to Return 700 Children to School in Lagos

Shamadean Imole Charity Foundation has successfully brought over 700 children back to school through an innovative education-focused initiative. The program utilizes sports, debate, and creative activities to re-engage young people with learning.

This effort is highlighted by the commencement of the sixth Lagos State Inter-Public Schools Championship. The foundation is collaborating with the Lagos State Government, specifically the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and Information, for this event. Aderemi Oki, the convener of the foundation, explained that the program, established in 2021, aims to restore the value of education in Lagos State.

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We want to win the souls of those who do not come to school.

"We want to win the souls of those who do not come to school," Oki stated, emphasizing the goal of attracting students and out-of-school children through engaging events. The championship includes a variety of competitions such as debate, chess, Scrabble, table tennis, football, and cooking, catering to both students and teachers.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has lauded the initiative. Damilare Adewusi, Head of Community Engagement for the DSVA, noted that the program promotes safety, respect, and awareness of reporting channels and support services. Sponsors like Sosa Fruit Drink and Indomie have also expressed their support. The competition is set to conclude in November with the finals for football, creative arts, and debate.

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We started in 2021, and our main goal is to bring back the value of education to Lagos State through engaging events like sports and debate that will attract the students and out-of-school kids to education. So far, we’ve been able to return over 700 students to school.