In a move to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive education, The Elsiential Foundation, a youth-led, women-driven non-profit, has launched its ignITe Computer Laboratory Project at Isrina School, Ajegunle, Lagos.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Founder of The Elsiential Foundation, Elsie Olalere, said the project aims to equip pupils and teachers in underserved communities with digital literacy skills and access to modern technology.
‘The Elsiential Foundation is committed to improving literacy, digital inclusion, and access to quality education across Nigeria. We believe learning should empower, not exclude, and every learner deserves the tools and skills to shape their future and live independently’, Elsie said.
She explained that the ignITe Lab has transformed a classroom into a fully functional computer laboratory equipped with laptops, internet access, and trained teachers. The facility is expected to enhance practical ICT learning for over 100 pupils and 13 teachers at Isrina School.
Elsie said the project, which provides six laptops, earphones, mouse devices, and a stable power and internet connection, was also renovated and furnished with comfortable desks and chairs to create a conducive learning environment.
‘We discovered that pupils at Isrina were learning computer science by drawing devices on the board. They had never touched a computer. This motivated us to close that gap. Now, they can learn by doing, not imagining’, she said.
The Foundation plans to hold quarterly training sessions for teachers and conduct monthly monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustainability. ‘Teachers are our focal point because you have to be equipped to teach. We will keep training and supporting them to integrate technology effectively into classroom learning’, Elsie added.
She stressed that digital literacy is no longer optional, noting that ‘no child should be left behind in this digital age where even exams are computer-based’.
Representing Tech4Dev, a partner organisation, Olabisi Etuk, said the collaboration supports The Elsiential Foundation ’s mission by helping teachers develop the necessary skills to manage the lab and teach digital subjects effectively.
‘One of the things we’re working on is helping them design a digital curriculum that trains teachers to cascade ICT knowledge to students. The world is going digital, and children must be aligned with this trend’, Etuk noted.
Expressing gratitude, Angelina Amuzie, Co-founder of Isrina School, described the project as ‘a dream come true’, saying previous promises from other organisations were never fulfilled.
‘When we first heard of their plans, we didn’t believe them. But today, we’re witnessing it. The ignITe Lab is a big advantage, it will make these children understand the impact of digital learning early in life’, she said.
The Head Boy of Isrina School, Omoregbe, also thanked the Foundation for providing learning tools. ‘I feel so happy and grateful. Thank you, for your generosity. May God bless you and replenish your pockets’, he said.
Since its inception, The Elsiential Foundation has reached over 800 learners across five local government areas in Lagos and Ogun States, supporting six schools and one community learning centre with educational materials and literacy resources.
Elsie said the Foundation plans to replicate the ignITe Lab project in other low-income schools to create a sustainable model for digital inclusion across Nigeria.
