Can Makoko Children Have a Better Future?
Makoko is one of the most well-known slums in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a community built on water and many people struggle to survive. Thousands of children are born in Makoko, but most do not go to school, and even those who do do not always get a good education.
Because of this, many people wonder: Can Makoko children ever blend into society if they don’t get the proper education?
We have seen that education can change lives. Programs like Chess in Slums Africa have helped children from poor backgrounds rise to greatness. But for Makoko children to have a better future, they need an education that fits their way of life. This article looks at real solutions that can help them succeed.
Sometimes, I wonder If Is A Forgotten Community
Makoko is very different from other parts of Lagos. Instead of roads, it has water. Instead of cars, people use wooden canoes to move around. Most families make a living by fishing, but this does not bring in much money.
Problems Makoko Children Face
- Lack of Schools – There are very few schools, and many families cannot afford them.
- Poverty – Most parents struggle to buy food, so education is not a priority.
- Government Neglect – The government has tried to demolish Makoko instead of helping it grow, Read here
- Child Labor – Many children work with their parents instead of going to school.
But despite these problems, Makoko children are smart, hardworking, and full of potential. If they are given the right opportunities, they can grow into great leaders and successful individuals.
What Kind of Education Will Work for this Children?
Some people have suggested coding and tech training for the children. While this may work for some, many of these children need something more practical and easier to learn. Here are some better alternatives:
1. Vocational Training: Teaching Them Practical Skills
Not every child needs to go to a university to succeed. Some children are naturally gifted with their hands. Vocational training can help Makoko children learn valuable skills that they can use to earn a living.
Best Vocational Skills for Makoko Children
- Carpentry – Many houses in Makoko are made of wood. Teaching children carpentry can help them build stronger homes and even start furniture businesses.
- Fishing Techniques – Fishing is already part of Makoko life. Modern training can help children learn better fishing methods and make more money.
- Fashion Design – Many African youths have become successful by sewing and designing clothes. If Makoko children learn tailoring, they can sell clothes within and outside the community.
- Mechanic Work – Every city needs mechanics to repair boats, bikes, and cars. This is a skill that can help them find jobs anywhere.
Example: In Kenya, the Street Business School trains slum youths in business skills. Many of them now run their own shops and make money. If we do the same in Makoko, the children can learn how to start small businesses and be independent.
2. Sports Academies: Using Talent to Change Lives
Sports have lifted many African youths out of poverty. Football, boxing, and athletics are not just hobbies; they can be careers.
Why Sports Can Help Makoko Children
- Football Academies – Nigeria has produced great footballers like Victor Osimhen, who came from a humble background. Football can help Makoko children get scholarships and opportunities.
- Boxing & Wrestling – Many slum kids in Africa have succeeded in combat sports. Training in these sports can help Makoko children compete at national and international levels.
- Canoe Racing – Since Makoko is built on water, canoe racing can be introduced as a sport. This can bring recognition and funding to the community.
Example: Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy trains poor children in football and education. Many graduates now play in Europe and study in top universities. If we have a similar academy in Makoko, it could change lives.
3. Apprenticeship: Learning Directly from Experts
One of the best ways to learn a skill is through apprenticeship. This means training under a master until you become an expert.
Best Apprenticeship Programs for Makoko Children
- Boat Making & Repair – Since Makoko depends on boats, children can learn how to build and repair them.
- Photography & Videography – Many Nigerian youths are making money from photography. Makoko children can learn this and tell their community’s story to the world.
- Catering & Baking – Food business is always profitable. Learning how to bake and cook can help them sell food in Lagos and beyond.
Example: In Lagos, many mechanics and tailors start as apprentices. After learning, they open their own shops and succeed. This can work in Makoko too.
4. Floating Schools: Bringing Education to Their Doorstep
Makoko’s unique environment requires unique schools. Instead of building regular schools, we need floating schools that will stay safe even when the water level rises.
Benefits of Floating Schools:
- They allow children to learn close to home.
- They are designed to survive flooding.
- They provide basic education like reading, writing, and mathematics.
Example: The Makoko Floating School, designed by Kunlé Adeyemi, was a great idea. Although it collapsed, a stronger version can be built to serve more children.
ALSO: Igbo-Ora Twins: Exploring the Unique History and Beliefs of Nigeria’s Twin City
What Must Be Done to Help Makoko Children?
For Makoko children to have a better future, we all need to work together:
- Government Support – The Lagos State government must invest in education and vocational training in Makoko.
- Private Organizations – More companies should sponsor sports, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
- Community Effort – Parents and local leaders must encourage children to learn skills instead of only doing child labor.
- International Help – Global organizations should invest in education programs that fit Makoko’s needs.
A Bright Future is Possible
Makoko children have great potential, but they need the right education to blend into society. While coding may not be for everyone, vocational training, sports, apprenticeships, and floating schools can help them build real careers.
The success of programs like Chess in Slums Africa, Right to Dream Academy, and Street Business School shows that when we invest in the right education, lives change.
If we take action today, Makoko will no longer be a forgotten place—it will become a community of success stories.
