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Slum2School initiative moves kids from slums into schools

Slum2School organised a health and education drive for the community on 15 August, and received support from GE colleagues including Dozie.

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Africa’s most precious resource is children, but too many struggle to access education and healthcare. Nigeria’s Slum2School initiative aims to improve access to schooling for children in slums and remote communities, with the support of companies such as GE.

“I think children are the future of Africa. It’s very important for us to see that the future of Africa is being developed, is being built, to ensure the sustainability of the community and our country,” says Adesua Dozie, Executive Counsel for GE in West Africa.

With little sanitation, poor drainage and hardly any access to potable water, the nearly 80 000 residents of Makoko, Nigeria’s oldest riverine slum, are vulnerable to illness. Slum2School organised a health and education drive for the community on 15 August, and received support from GE colleagues including Dozie. Local residents received typhoid immunisation and malaria testing and treatment, and 10 children received a year’s funding to attend school.

Victor Aworka, a tailor and fishmonger, brought his five-year-old son so that he could receive typhoid immunisation. “What made me happy about this [event] is the fact that someone came here to take care of our children, without asking us for any money or anything. I’m very happy for my child and I pray for the individuals that put this together,” he said.

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University student Temitope Oku brought his younger brother for testing and immunisation. “I really appreciate what you are doing for the community and what you have been doing in the community by providing medical services and also support with education. And today I am happy because we are getting medical checks for free, vaccinations for free for our community.”

Maria O (11) thoroughly enjoyed the day. “Today has been fun, I danced a lot and I have just received mosquito nets for my sibling and me,” she said.

Timothy Leye (12) enjoyed the educational aspect of the day, including a drama production on typhoid. “I learnt not to drink water from the river because it can make us sick. I also liked the dancing and enjoyed the food,” he said.

“The atmosphere is great….happy. I think this represents the true spirit of Africa…happiness, joy and resilience no matter what,” said Dozie.

In Nigeria, malaria accounts for more than 15 per cent of infant mortality, 30 per cent of childhood mortality and 11 per cent of maternal mortality. About half of all Nigerians have had malaria at least once. In Makoko, incidents of typhoid are particularly high.

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“This is a very common problem with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially because of the lacking infrastructure and a weak medical system to support people. So it is really important that we are able to donate and do something to support people in preventing these diseases,” says Omar Wade, chief financial officer for GE Oil & Gas in Nigeria.

GE Africa’s sustainability programme, Kujenga, means “build” in Swahili, in recognition of GE’s aspiration to be a partner in building Africa’s sustainable future. Kujenga’s approach is to empower people by building valuable skills, equipping communities with new tools and technology and elevating ideas that are helping to solve Africa’s challenges. Slum2School’s mission of empowerment through education and healthcare is a great fit with Kujenga’s approach.

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