From the Peace Camp to the Classroom: Our children begin their academic year!

Justice Through Literacy (JTL) is a nonprofit organization empowering children in underserved communities through literacy, mentorship, and access to quality education.

This month marks an exciting new chapter for JTL’s Peace Camp graduates—children who are now starting school at their respective institutions across Abuja. For many of them, this transition represents far more than a new term; it’s the continuation of a dream once obstructed by financial hardship, displacement, and lost opportunities. 

Before joining the Peace Camp, these children came from diverse backgrounds. Some had never attended school, some were at risk of dropping out, and others were stuck at home for months during the prolonged public-school break. A few were already doing well academically but had parents struggling to afford school fees. Others spent their days helping their parents sell food and household items to support the family.

Yet, despite their different paths, they all shared one thing in common—the desire to learn and to build a better future.

Through the Peace Camp, JTL gave them more than a classroom; it gave them a community of hope. Now, they are taking what they learned—confidence, curiosity, and perseverance—into their new schools as they begin an exciting academic journey.

In this article, we take you through the stories of two out of the many graduates whose journeys truly embody what Justice Through Literacy (JTL) is all about—stories that inspire us and reflect the impact of education, mentorship, and opportunity.

Samuel Bartholomew

Samuel started third grade at Royal Crowns International, Kwali, Abuja, on September 8, 2025. Before joining the camp, he was already one of the top students at his school, consistently placing second in his class. However, his parents faced the challenge of sponsoring him and his three siblings at the same time, accumulating debts and considering the option of transferring him to a more affordable school. 

At Justice Through Literacy’s Peace Camp, Samuel met other children with similar challenges and discovered a sense of belonging. He learned how to program for the first time and fondly recalls how much fun he had during math lessons. The camp didn’t just boost his academic skills—it reignited his passion for learning and his belief that great things are possible, regardless of financial struggles.

Following his graduation from the Peace Camp—which happened to be on his birthday (yes, we celebrate birthdays too! 😜🎂)—Samuel received a 4-year scholarship that’ll cover 50% of his cost of attending Royal Crowns for his remaining years in elementary school. We’re grateful to God for the opportunity to be a part of Samuel’s story and can’t wait to see the amazing things he’ll accomplish this academic term.

Precious Ucha

In vivid contrast to Samuel’s experience is the story of Precious Ucha. Precious moved to Kwali, Abuja, to live with her grandmother after fleeing an ethnic conflict in her hometown in Benue State. When she joined JTL’s Peace Camp, Precious could hardly communicate in English — the primary language of instruction in Nigerian schools—or even its local pidgin variant.

Her limited understanding of English made it nearly impossible to find a school that could intentionally teach her to read, write, and speak, especially given her grandmother’s financial situation. But by the sixth week of the summer camp, Precious had made remarkable progress—she could communicate clearly in English and eagerly participated in class discussions.

Today, Precious attends De Lord’s Academy, one of JTL’s partner schools, where she began classes on September  8, 2025. Her journey is a beautiful reminder that with patience, access, and compassion, transformation is possible. We are deeply thankful to God for allowing us to play a role in Precious’s growth and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive.

For parents like Samuel’s and Precious’s, this opportunity has lifted enormous burdens. Instead of worrying about school fees or lost years, they now get to watch their children wake up each morning, put on their uniforms, and walk into classrooms filled with hope.

These stories are more than individual triumphs—they represent a community reclaiming its faith in education. For JTL and our supporters, seeing these children begin a new academic year reaffirms our vision of Bridging the Nigerian Literacy Gap for a Brighter Future.

As the school term unfolds, our children are no longer defined by their struggles but by their promise. Their journeys remind us that when given a chance, every child can rewrite their story — and we are honored to walk beside them as they do.