Slum2School Africa, in partnership with Google, has unveiled a culturally driven educational initiative titled “Stories from Our Home”, described as a first-of-its-kind Nigerian folktale and cultural colouring book for children in underserved communities.
The project, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, was officially launched on Tuesday at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lekki, Lagos, where pupils from various primary schools participated in interactive storytelling and creative sessions.
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The initiative combines traditional Nigerian storytelling with artificial intelligence to produce child-friendly illustrations rooted in local heritage, making education both engaging and culturally relevant for young learners.
It addresses a critical gap in many Nigerian nursery classrooms, where children often learn without basic creative tools like colouring books and crayons.
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Slum2School Africa
Founder of Slum2School Africa, Otto Orondaam, described the project as a continuation of the organisation’s mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.
“At Slum2School Africa, we have always believed that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Education begins long before a child enters a classroom; it starts with the stories they hear and the materials they hold.
“Stories from Our Home is an extension of everything we stand for, ensuring that every child, no matter where they are born, has access to the resources and the identity that will shape their future.
“Creative play is essential to learning. Through this project, children gain the tools, confidence, and knowledge to embrace their heritage while building foundational educational skills,” the founder said.
Blending AI with culture
The colouring book was developed through an “Imagination Workshop” which brought together Nigerian creatives to share childhood memories, folktales, and cultural narratives. These stories were then transformed into vibrant line-art illustrations using Gemini AI.
Leading the creative process was comedian and actor Broda Shaggi, alongside a host of other entertainers, including Falz, Layi Wasabi, Tobi Bakre, and Officer Woos.
Other contributors include Folagade Banks, Tomike Adeoye, Hauwa Lawal, and several additional creatives who lent their voices and ideas to shape the book’s content.
The final edition was professionally designed and published by Inked Memory to meet strict educational and child-centred standards.
“I know what it feels like to grow up without these things. I know what it means when a child lacks the basic tools others take for granted. That experience never leaves you, and it is why I am committed to ensuring young people today do not go through what I went through. Being part of this project and seeing 1,000 packs go into the hands of these children means everything to me,” Broda Shaggi said.
Rooted in Nigerian heritage
The book features culturally significant stories drawn from across Nigeria, including narratives about Queen Moremi, the Walls of Benin, the Rivers Niger and Benue, and traditional festivals such as the Argungu Fishing Festival and the New Yam Festival.
Addressing the children during the launch, Orondaam emphasised the importance of cultural awareness alongside formal education.
“It is important for you to go to school and read your books. But knowing your culture and where you come from is even more important. Many of you know stories from other countries, but today we are giving you something that will help you learn about your own heritage,” the founder said.
Distribution
As part of the initiative, 1,000 copies of the colouring book are being distributed free of charge to nursery and primary school pupils in underserved communities across Lagos.
Each child will also receive a “Dream Pack” containing crayons, notebooks, pencils, and other educational materials to support creative learning.
The launch event featured storytelling sessions led by actress Nancy Isime and actress Bisola Aiyeola, who engaged the children with cultural tales and personal reflections on their school experiences.
The event also included a colouring competition, interactive games, and participation from pupils across different schools, creating a lively and engaging learning environment.
The unveiling drew key representatives from Google Nigeria, including Olumide Balogun, and international organisations such as UNESCO, highlighting the initiative’s collaborative nature.
Mr Balogun opened the event and read “The Story of the Great Rivers of Nigeria”, reinforcing the project’s mission to make culture and education accessible to all children.
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Slum2School Africa, which has spent over a decade improving access to education in underserved communities, described the book as the first edition of a series. Future editions will include contributions from more Nigerian storytellers and creatives.
For Slum2School Africa, which has spent over a decade working to improve access to education for children in underserved communities, the project represents a strategic combination of technology, storytelling, and social impact.
By leveraging artificial intelligence and local narratives, the initiative aims not only to improve literacy and creativity among children but also to instil a sense of identity and pride in Nigerian heritage.
