Learning as an opportunity – education in Nigeria

video school project

Travelogue: Education as hope – My visit to the Emeakarohafoundation School in Nigeria!

From January 2023 to 2025, I had the opportunity to visit the Emekaroha Foundation School in Nigeria, founded by Rev. Emeka Emeakaroha. Over several visits, I used my camera to document the impressive work that is done here every day with heart, courage, and vision.

There is no compulsory education in Nigeria. Only children whose parents can pay the school fees are allowed to attend. But this is precisely where Emeka's initiative comes in: For just 100 euros per year, Austrian sponsoring parents give a child access to education —and thus the chance for a self-determined future.

I was able to witness the dedication of the teachers at this school. Whether in the classroom teaching writing and math, in the biology lab with anatomy models, or in the IT lab with simple computers – everywhere I could feel how seriously education is taken here. Despite the simple equipment, the atmosphere is characterized by curiosity, respect, and community.

It was a particularly wonderful experience to see how proudly the children wore their school uniforms . The uniform isn't just clothing— it's a symbol of their belonging to the school, a sign of hope and pride . And what particularly impressed me was that the school uniforms are made on-site by the school's own tailors . This not only strengthens their sense of identification with the school, but also creates local jobs and promotes craft skills.

The classrooms are simple, the furniture colorful and partly hand-lettered, but the children's enthusiasm transcends any outward simplicity. Even at the end of school, in the yard, the children's solidarity and joy of life were palpable – they laughed, waved, and carried their backpacks and exercise books with pride.

Another highlight was the presentation of calculators to older students. The pride in their eyes demonstrated that education is not something to be taken for granted here—but is all the more appreciated.

This photo series is my way of demonstrating how far-reaching and effective donations can be. It shows not only buildings and classes – but above all: people. Faces. Hope.

I hope these images touch many more people—and perhaps even motivate them to make a small contribution themselves. Because education isn't just a key—it's a beginning.