Folktales to life: Google, Slum2School empowers 1000 Nigerian kids with creative books

Google has partnered with Slum2School Africa and a team of celebrated Nigerian creators to unveil “Stories from Our Home,” a first-of-its-kind Nigerian folktale and cultural colouring book for children.

The collaborative initiative aims to bridge the shortage of educational materials in Nigeria by placing 1,000 books directly into the hands of primary school pupils in underserved communities. This project serves as a direct response to the gap in nursery classrooms where children often learn without basic creative tools such as colouring books and crayons.

The creation of the book utilised Google Gemini as a creative enabler to reimagine African folklore as print-ready line art. A group of creative contributors led by Broda Shaggi, alongside Falz, Layi Wasabi and others, gathered at an Imagination Workshop to share memories and cultural stories.

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These storytellers used the generative AI tool to translate their cultural ideas and heritage narratives into high-quality art that children can now take pride in and colour. The finished work was designed and published by Inked Memory, ensuring the final pages met appropriate educational and child-centred standards.

“At Slum2School Africa, we have always believed that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty,” stated Otto Orondaam, Founder of Slum2School Africa. He noted that education begins long before a child enters a classroom, starting with the stories they hear and the materials they hold. “Stories from Our Home is an extension of everything we stand for, ensuring that every child, no matter where they are born, has access to the resources and the identity that will shape their future.”

The formal unveiling at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lekki featured special reading sessions with the children. Google West Africa Director Olumide Balogun delivered opening remarks and read the story of the Great Rivers of Nigeria.

He was joined by guest readers Nancy Isime and Bisola Aiyeola, who shared stories of Nigerian heroes, including the Walls of Benin and Queen Moremi Ajasoro. These sessions were designed to show children that their culture is a treasure and that their stories belong in books.

“I know what it feels like to grow up without these things,” said Samuel Animashaun Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi. “I know what it means when a child does not have the basic tools that others take for granted. That experience never leaves you, and it is why I am committed to doing whatever I can to make sure young people today do not have to go through what I went through. Being part of this project, and seeing 1,000 packs go into the hands of these children, means everything to me.”

Each child at the launch received a Dream Pack containing the printed book along with crayons, notebooks, pencils and educational games. This initiative highlights the importance of creative play, which supports foundational capacities such as fine motor skills, focus and imagination.

By combining technology with traditional storytelling, the project ensures that children in underserved areas have access to the resources and identity that will shape their future.

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