This story began when a member of our Foundation had brought it to our notice that children of this small primary school—barefoot or without the right school sandals, carrying their books in their hands because they had no school bags, and walking to school daily under these conditions. Their parents were mostly farmers, and the school itself had little in terms of resources.
We immediately sent a team to visit the school and sit with the teachers and also meet the children to better understand firsthand what was truly needed because at Karim Adeyemi Foundation, our support is beyond donations but to ensure we are filling a much needed gap.
Their report gave us clarity and we wrote formally to the school, introducing the Foundation and informing them of our plans to step in with support. Then, we set to work.
Rather than simply using Karim Adeyemi Foundation’s ready-made bags, we decided to empower a local woman from the community to sew durable school knapsacks using strong materials. This way, not only did the children get bags designed to last, but we also supported the local economy.
On the agreed day, we visited the school. We brought with us school bags, sandals, socks, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, water bottles, exercise books, packs of chalks and other essentials—essentially everything a child needs to learn with confidence. We ensured that all 60 kids went home with the same set of school materials.
However, beyond giving, we also spoke with the children. We encouraged them to see education as a pathway to a better future, reminding them that they could become anything they wanted to be if they remained diligent in school no matter where they are coming from, just like Karim Adeyemi.
One of our team members also shared her personal story of having come from a background and place similar to theirs, yet rising to achieve more through education.
The joy on their faces was indescribable, and the impact of both the materials and the encouragement was evident. But this was not a one-off gesture. We have committed to return during the school term to check on the welfare of these pupils, ensure they are making use of the materials, and assess further needs.
For us, quality education is inclusive of all that is needed to learn, stay in school, and retain knowledge, it may be school materials, it may be food, but it must go beyond city classrooms. It must reach the local and small communities, the children of farmers, petty traders, and those whose potential might otherwise remain hidden.
The joy on their faces was indescribable, and the impact of both the materials and the encouragement was evident. But this was not a one-off gesture. We have committed to return during the school term to check on the welfare of these pupils, ensure they are making use of the materials, and assess further needs.
At Karim Adeyemi Foundation, access to quality education is inclusive of all that is needed to learnt, stay in school, and retain knowledge. It may be school materials, it may be food, but it must go beyond city classrooms.
It must reach the local and small communities, the children of farmers and petty traders, and those whose potential might otherwise remain hidden.
This outreach really reminded us of why we exist: to extend smiles to where it is needed the most, and to help children learn, dream, and thrive.
