Google, in partnership with Slum2School Africa and Nigerian comedian Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, has launched ‘Stories from Our Home’, a culturally themed folktale colouring book designed for children in underserved communities.
The initiative, powered by Google’s Gemini, aims to bridge gaps in access to creative educational materials by distributing 1,000 copies of the book to primary school pupils.
The project responds to the shortage of learning tools in many nursery classrooms, where children often lack basic creative resources such as colouring books and crayons.
Developed through a collaborative process, the book reimagines African folklore into print-ready line art using generative AI. A group of Nigerian creatives, led by Broda Shaggi and featuring Falz and Layi Wasabi, participated in an ‘Imagination Workshop’, where they shared cultural stories and childhood memories.
These narratives were transformed into illustrations using Gemini, creating engaging, child-friendly visuals rooted in Nigerian heritage. The final publication was produced by Inked Memory to meet educational and child-focused standards.
Founder of Slum2School Africa, Otto Orondaam, said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to using education as a tool to break the cycle of poverty.
‘Education begins long before a child enters a classroom—it starts with the stories they hear and the materials they engage with. This project ensures that every child, regardless of background, has access to resources that shape identity and inspire growth’, he said.
The book was officially unveiled at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lekki, Lagos, where children participated in interactive reading sessions.
Google West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, read a story on the Great Rivers of Nigeria, while guest readers Nancy Isime and Bisola Aiyeola shared stories about Nigerian heritage, including the Walls of Benin and Queen Moremi Ajasoro.
Speaking at the event, Broda Shaggi highlighted the personal significance of the initiative.
‘I know what it feels like to grow up without access to basic learning tools. Being part of a project that puts these resources into the hands of children means everything to me’, he said.
Each participating child received a ‘Dream Pack’ containing the colouring book, crayons, notebooks, pencils, and educational games—promoting creative play and cognitive development.
At the event, Akintunde Daniella emerged winner of a painting contest and was rewarded with a bicycle and other prizes.
The initiative underscores the role of storytelling and creativity in early childhood development, while leveraging technology to preserve and promote African cultural heritage.
