TL;DR:

For my birthday, I’m raising money to support children in Makoko, Lagos through Hope and Support for the Slum Child Initiative. Instead of gifts, help me give the gift of education, nourishment, and hope.

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If you know me well, you know I’m not great at making wish lists. When someone recently asked what I wanted for my birthday, I drew a blank—again. Not perfume. Not gadgets. Not shoes. Just this feeling that I’d rather give than receive this year.

So here it is:

For my birthday, I want to raise funds for the incredible children of Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria.

Makoko is often referred to as the “Venice of Africa,” but it’s far from a romantic vacation spot. It’s a densely populated community built on stilts over the Lagos Lagoon. Many families live in floating homes, and children grow up navigating waterways instead of playgrounds. Access to education, healthcare, clean water, and basic resources is incredibly limited.

✨ But despite it all, the kids of Makoko dream big. They smile, they play, they want to learn, to thrive, and to be seen.

And that’s where we come in.

This birthday, instead of gifts, I’m asking friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers who believe in the power of collective kindness:

Let’s give these children something that truly matters.

I’ve set a goal of $1,000 because GoFundMe needs a number, but truly, there is no cap on what we can do together for the children of Makoko. Every dollar counts, and there’s no such thing as too small a gift.

Your donation—no matter how small or big—can go towards:

• School uniforms to instill a sense of identity and pride

• Chairs and tables to create a conducive learning environment

• Canoes for safe transportation to and from school

• Whiteboards and markers to enhance classroom learning

• Daily meals to ensure children are nourished and ready to learn

• Vocational training materials for weekend empowerment programs

• Construction of a permanent school structure to accommodate over 1,500 children

Not sure what Makoko looks like? You can view photos and short clips here, or search “Makoko” on YouTube for deeper context.

This is more than a birthday gift—it’s a ripple effect of impact.

Thank you for making this birthday my most meaningful one yet.

With love,

Onnie ❤️

Partnering with: Hope and Support for the Slum Child Initiative (CAC REG: 166415)

Contact: +2349052673010

All photos and videos used in this fundraiser were provided by Hope and Support for the Slum Child Initiative (CAC REG 166415) and are shared with permission. Media consent was obtained by the organization for awareness and fundraising purposes.