How Damilola Feyide Built a Free Boarding School for Vulnerable Children in Lagos

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During my interview with Damilola Feyide, founder of Let It Shine Academy, I saw how deeply involved she is in the daily lives of the children in her care. What began as a Saturday outreach during her NYSC year has grown into a free boarding secondary school serving more than 300 vulnerable children in Lagos. Feyide started by teaching practical skills to children in remand homes and correctional centres. After seeing how many young people lacked access to formal education, she began free secondary-school lessons with 12 boys. The effort expanded through donations, corporate support and community partnerships, and the academy opened as a free school in 2021 before becoming a boarding school in 2023. The school provides meals, accommodation, education, healthcare, uniforms and safeguarding for children affected by poverty, unstable homes, child marriage and contact with correctional facilities. Feyide says the goal is not charity, but an intervention that gives every child safety, dignity and a genuine chance to build a future.

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