For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of sponsoring education for underserved children in Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. During this time, I’ve witnessed firsthand how access to education can transform not only individual lives but entire communities. The experience has been both humbling and eye-opening, reinforcing the belief that education is one of the most powerful weapons we have to combat poverty and elevate the standard of living in developing countries.

October 11th marks International Day of the Girl Child, a global movement to amplify the voices and rights of girls everywhere. This day reminds us of the immense potential girls have to shape their futures and the world around them, but it also shines a light on the barriers they face in accessing education, resources, and opportunities—particularly in underserved communities.

September marked the end of summer break and return to school. We are excited to welcome back 53 children and five teachers to Veritas Academy, Ikorodu Nigeria!

Nigerian Cooking Class This July the Okenyes taught a Nigerian cooking class as a fundraiser. We auctioned the class as a donation item at Geneva Academy, a Christian School in Roseburg, Oregon.

Public school is not free in Nigeria. Lee University alum Emmanuel Okenye experienced this firsthand while growing up in the town of Ikorodu, and he often had to skip meals in order to pay for his education. Years later, in an effort to offer better education and health care to children in Nigeria, Okenye started the nonprofit Child Scholars shortly after he graduated from Lee.