NLTF to partner STEAM for Nigerian child empowerment initiative

The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) is set to collaborate with STEAM, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, to empower Nigerian children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The announcement followed a meeting between NLTF’s Executive Secretary, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, and the STEAM delegation led by Professor Hauwa Ibrahim, President of The Peace Institute.

STEAM, known for its dedication to transforming the lives of children globally, has a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including displaced persons, street hawkers, and almajiris. The organization boasts over 200 years of combined experience and has a track record of turning lives around, creating professionals out of the most disadvantaged.

The partnership with NLTF is intended to harness STEAM’s extensive expertise to extend its reach within Nigeria, thereby contributing to the broader mission of the NLTF to support good causes nationwide. This collaboration is expected to provide crucial resources and opportunities for Nigerian children.

Speaking on the partnership, Matilde Belleggia, a Technology Tutor with STEAM, highlighted their decision to proceed with their mission in Nigeria despite security warnings from their home country. “We were advised not to come to Nigeria because of security concerns, but we decided to take the chance and have found Nigeria to be a wonderful country, full of resilient and talented people,” Belleggia said. “We are excited to contribute to the development of Nigerian children and communities.”

Comrade Adeyanju expressed his gratitude to Professor Ibrahim and the STEAM team for their commitment to improving the lives of children. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in making a tangible difference and lauded the volunteers for their bravery in coming to Nigeria despite security concerns.

The STEAM team includes a diverse group of educators and professionals, such as Engineering Tutor David Manlouda, Art Tutor Ougelica Felicia, Technology Tutor Matilde Belleggia, Science Tutor Anna Cascarino, Mathematics Tutor Silvio Dionisotti, Dr. Salisu Mohammed, and Ibrahim Hassan.

The proposed partnership is expected to drive significant positive change, offering much-needed empowerment to Nigerian children.