HFM partners Slum2School Africa to support children with access to quality education

HFM, in partnership with Slum2school Africa, has supported 50 children in the Makoko community, Yaba LGA, Lagos, through a scholarship initiative to expand access to quality education in underserved communities.

This initiative, marking HFM’s 10-year presence in Nigeria, is providing selected learners with tuition support, learning materials, and ongoing academic assistance, ensuring enrollment, continuity, and success within the education system.

Members of HFM and Slum2School came together for a meet-and-greet on May 21, 2026, at Adekunle Anglican Primary School in Makoko. The event brought together company representatives, educators, volunteers, and the learners for a day of mentorship, career conversations, and interactive learning, featuring a series of activities designed to encourage self-expression, aspiration, and personal development.

During the “Get to Know Me” session, learners were guided through conversations that helped them share their interests, strengths, and personal stories, fostering confidence and connection.

This was followed by a Dream Board activity led by the HFM team and Slum2School, where the children visually mapped out their goals and aspirations, translating abstract ambitions into tangible future pathways.

The session provided the learners with a rare opportunity to engage directly with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, gaining career insights and practical advice through real-world examples, to augment their learning and development.

While financial support remains critical, the Slum2School initiative addressed a less visible but equally significant gap: limited world exposure. For many children in communities like Makoko, access to career guidance, professional networks, and real-world learning experiences is often restricted. Through direct engagement with professionals, the programme helped broaden perspectives and enabled learners to envision opportunities beyond their immediate environment.

Managing Director of HFM Nigeria, Mr. Ope Abiola said this partnership reflects the company’s commitment to celebrating its milestone through meaningful community impact.

“We’re happy to be here. Celebrating ten years is a significant milestone for us. We wanted this moment to go beyond celebration and create real impact by supporting these children to grow and become successful in life. For us, it is about contributing to a future where children have the opportunity to learn, grow, believe in themselves, work hard, and become good ambassadors of this country.”

Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, remains one of the areas where targeted education interventions are critical due to economic challenges and limited access to structured learning opportunities.

Slum2School Africa, which has worked extensively within the community, emphasized that, beyond funding, consistent exposure and human connection play a key role in shaping children’s aspirations.

“Moments like this go beyond a single day. They influence how children see themselves and what they believe is possible,” said Oluyemi Alugo, Education and Innovation Manager at Slum2School Africa.

As Nigeria continues to face a high number of out-of-school children, stakeholders note that sustained collaboration between the private sector and community-rooted organisations remains essential to improving access and long-term education outcomes.

HFM, a brand of the HF Markets Group, is a multi-asset broker providing financial trading services to clients worldwide. With over 4 million clients globally and more than 80 industry awards, HFM empowers traders through a seamless trading experience that combines innovation and excellence.

Slum2School is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization committed to transforming education outcomes for underserved children across Africa. Through innovative, community-driven models, the organization has reached over a million learners by improving access to quality education, digital learning, and life-changing opportunities.