Equipped to Learn – GRA Nursery & Primary, Ikeja

Location: G.R.A Nursery and Primary School, Adekunle Fajuyi Road, Ikeja GRA, Lagos

In January 2025, the Okachi Charity Foundation made its first visit to G.R.A Nursery and Primary School, a government-run public school in the heart of Lagos. Nestled in the distinguished Ikeja GRA, the school stands in stark contrast to its surrounding affluence serving the children of security guards, domestic workers, and struggling low-income families who rely on this institution as their only bridge to formal education.

The conditions we met were humbling. Children arrived in threadbare uniforms many walked to school barefoot or in broken sandals. Some, like Bukola in Basic 6, worked as house helps outside school hours to support their families. Others, like young Farida in Basic 3, rushed from chores to class without textbooks, socks, or school bags. Although the school is free, the dignity and basics of learning uniforms, sandals, writing materials were still out of reach for most of the pupils.

Moved by this need and encouraged by the warm reception from school authorities, OCF returned on in to carry out a full outreach.

We distributed complete school uniforms, new sandals, socks, backpacks filled with learning materials, and for the youngest learners, age-appropriate toys to support Montessori-style engagement. For children who had arrived that morning in tattered or discolored clothing, we documented the striking transformation with before-and-after photos. The pride in their posture after receiving their new uniforms said everything.

Now dressed with dignity, holding books in clean school bags, and stepping confidently into their classrooms. The outreach was officially recognized by LASUBEB, with a representative from the Local Government Education Authority present to witness the occasion.

This outreach also marks a significant expansion of OCF’s Lagos footprint. We are deeply committed to continuing our support for G.R.A Nursery and Primary School not only in materials but in advocacy, dignity restoration, and long-term partnerships. In the months ahead, we plan to return to address further needs, including the renovation of the school’s ICT room, provision of restroom doors, and additional learning resources.

The children of G.R.A Nursery and Primary are bright, eager, and capable. We believe every child in Lagos deserves not just access but excellence in education.