I started by organizing informal tutoring sessions in a little space someone lent us on the water. At first, it was chaotic  there were over a dozen kids, many of them talking over each other, some shy, some curious but restless. I realized I couldn’t just teach like in a classroom; I had to make it interactive and fun, using stories, drawings, and practical examples to explain concepts. For example, we used shells from the lagoon to teach counting and basic arithmetic, and local stories to make reading exercises more engaging.

I also paid attention to each child’s pace. Some picked up reading quickly, while others needed patience and repetition. I would sit beside them, guiding their fingers across the words or helping them sound out letters. I tried to make learning feel rewarding rather than intimidating, celebrating small wins, like finishing a page of writing or correctly solving a math problem.

Over weeks, I noticed real progress. Kids who struggled at first began reading sentences aloud, doing sums without help, and even helping each other. Their pride in their work was evident in the smiles and laughter that followed every small achievement. Beyond teaching, I learned as much from them as they did from me  their resilience, curiosity, and ability to find joy despite challenges left a lasting impression.

For me, helping the kids in Makoko wasn’t just about catching them up academically; it was about building confidence, curiosity, and hope in an environment that often feels overlooked. It taught me the power of patience, creativity, and connection in making a real impact on someone’s life, even in small, consistent ways.