Hope Builders’ Initiative, which consists of a group of 13 postgraduate students from the Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, University of Ibadan, have embarked on a life-changing advocacy project to improve learning conditions at Salvation Army Basic Schools, Yemetu, Ibadan.
The initiative, carried out under the CEF 793 course project and implemented by Hope Builders’ Initiative supervised by Dr salami Ishola of department of Early childhood education focused on addressing the dilapidated state of classrooms and facilities in the school, particularly at School 3, one of the three units within the compound.
During their initial visit, the advocacy team found shocking infrastructural decay — classrooms with large holes in the floor, broken ceiling boards, poorly lit rooms, overcrowded classes where three groups of pupils were crammed into one space, and no provision of shelves, cupboards, or playgrounds. The schools also lacked basic amenities such as toilets, clean water, and fencing, leaving them vulnerable to intruders.
In response, the team adopted School 3 and began a renovation drive aimed at making learning safer and more conducive. According to the group’s report, their priority actions included: Fixing broken classroom and corridor floors, Repainting classroom walls and Restoring sections of the damaged ceilings.
Renovation works commenced on September 24, 2025, with group members physically participating in painting and repairs.
Speaking on the project, the group emphasized that the effort was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words: “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
They expressed hope that their modest intervention would encourage well-meaning individuals, organizations, and government bodies to join in providing sustainable solutions to the school’s numerous needs.
The students described their work not only as an academic requirement but as a heartfelt mission to “be a blessing to those in our immediate environment, especially those less equipped with resources.”
With the first phase of the renovation completed, the team looks forward to mobilizing more support to provide the children of Salvation Army Basic Schools with essential facilities like clean water, toilets, playgrounds, and learning resources.
The team consists of Aina Oludayo, Alatise Basirat, Abdulganiyu Kafayat, Akinyode Ayodele, Odunayo Ajiboye, Adegboyega Dorcas, Adeleke Ahisat, Audi Oyiza, Adesina Oluwaseyifunmi, Anyaugo May, Akinmoladun Tolulope, Ajala Daniel, and Toluwa Abioye.
