Building Safe and Clean Facilities for Lagos Public Primary Schools

Overview
At Better You Africa Initiative, we believe that every child deserves a safe, clean, and inspiring environment to learn and grow. Building on the success of our 2021 Shogunle School Revamp Project, we are excited to launch an expanded program to enhance learning spaces in 20 underserved public primary schools across Lagos. This program aims to improve school facilities, making them conducive for learning and promoting health and well-being for thousands of students.

Background
In 2021, our first school revamp project at Shogunle Primary School transformed a single block of classrooms that had fallen into serious disrepair. With repairs to the roofing, windows, and ceilings, as well as vibrant educational artwork added to the classrooms and corridors, this project created a safe and motivating space for students. The positive impact was immediate: improved attendance, a boost in student engagement, and a renewed sense of pride within the school community. Inspired by this success, we are now scaling up this effort to reach even more schools and students across Lagos.

Program Objectives Our goal is to create safe, hygienic, and inspiring learning environments that support the academic and personal growth of students. Through this program, we aim to: Enhance Classroom Conditions: Renovate classrooms with new roofing, secure windows and doors, and creative, educational decor that makes learning enjoyable and engaging. Improve Sanitation Facilities: Build new toilets and refurbish existing ones, ensuring students have access to clean and private restroom facilities. Promote Hygiene: Install hand-washing stations throughout the schools and provide necessary sanitation supplies to support daily hygiene practices.

Program Activities This initiative will cover 20 public primary schools in Lagos, with activities including: Classroom Renovations: Repairing and improving five classrooms per school with new ceilings, doors, windows, and bright educational artwork. Toilet and Sanitation Upgrades: Building new toilets where needed, refurbishing existing facilities, and installing multiple hand-washing stations. Ongoing Support for Cleanliness: Providing cleaning supplies and setting up systems for maintenance, ensuring each school can sustain hygiene standards.

Impact and Expected Outcomes By providing clean and safe facilities, we are investing in the future of thousands of children, offering them a learning environment that promotes: Increased Attendance and Engagement: When students feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms, they are more likely to attend regularly and actively participate in learning. Improved Health and Hygiene: With accessible toilets and hand-washing stations, students are less exposed to health risks, which contributes to a healthier school community. Community Pride and Involvement: This program aims to foster a sense of pride and ownership among students, teachers, and parents, strengthening the school community.

The Building Safe and Clean Learning Spaces program is our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of students across Lagos. We are creating schools where children can learn without health or safety concerns, where they feel inspired and valued, and where the community has a stake in the future. This initiative is a significant step towards creating positive, lasting change for young learners, building a foundation of hope, pride, and opportunity for generations to come.