A school built to serve children in one of Lagos State's riverine communities has earned a place among the world's best.
Slum2School Green Academy on Saga Island, Epe, has been named among the Top 10 schools globally in the Environmental Action category of the 2026 World's Best School Prizes, placing another Nigerian education success story on the international stage.
Serving 250 children from eight riverine communities, the charity-run kindergarten and primary school has expanded access to quality education in an area where geographical barriers once limited learning opportunities. Today, it stands as proof that innovative, community-driven solutions can unlock the potential of Nigeria's underserved communities.
Created by T4 Education after the COVID-19 pandemic, the World's Best School Prizes recognise schools making outstanding contributions in Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity and Supporting Healthy Lives.
Rather than adopting a conventional school model, the academy was designed around its environment. Built with locally sourced bamboo and wood, the climate-smart campus features naturally ventilated classrooms, rainwater harvesting systems, recycling facilities and school gardens that serve as practical learning spaces.
Teaching is tailored to children with little or no previous classroom experience. Through inquiry-based, project-based and play-based learning, pupils develop literacy and numeracy using hands-on activities linked to everyday life. According to the school, some learners achieve academic progress equivalent to as much as three years within a single academic year.
The curriculum also incorporates coding, digital learning, storytelling and environmental education. Pupils participate in water conservation, waste management, composting, school gardening and projects that transform water hyacinth into useful products, while older learners mentor younger ones.
The academy's impact extends beyond the classroom. Parents and community members helped build the campus and continue to support the school, which also houses a digital laboratory and library.
The results reflect the success of the model. The school reports that 96 per cent of pupils have improved by at least one literacy proficiency level, more than 70 per cent have advanced in numeracy, while over 90 per cent are now reading close to grade level despite many starting without foundational learning skills. Attendance reached 80 per cent in the academy's first academic year.
Its commitment to sustainability is equally impressive. The campus operates entirely on solar power, generating about 28,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually while preventing an estimated 10 to 15 tonnes of carbon emissions. Rainwater harvesting supplies up to 160,000 litres of clean water each year, while waste-to-biogas facilities produce about 1,400 cubic metres of clean cooking gas annually.
From a riverine community in Lagos to global recognition, Slum2School Green Academy is demonstrating how Nigerian innovation is delivering quality education, promoting environmental sustainability and inspiring communities far beyond the classroom.
No comments:
Post a Comment