By Aramide Kayode

My name is Aramide Kayode, and I am committed to transforming the lives of children in low-income communities through quality education. My journey as a nonprofit leader began in 2019 when I encountered a group of children on the road during school hours. When I asked why they weren’t in school, their response broke my heart—their parents couldn’t afford the $3 public school tuition.

This encounter stirred something deeply personal in me. I reflected on the transformative power of education in my own life and the doors it had opened for me. I knew these children, through no fault of their own, were being denied the same opportunities because of their circumstances. I couldn’t ignore the disparity, and that same week, I started Talent Mine Academy.

What began as an after-school program has now grown into a free school that offers 12 years of high-quality education to children from low-income communities. Our mission is simple but profound: to raise young leaders who can apply the academic concepts they learn to solve the pressing problems their communities face.

To date, Talent Mine Academy has directly impacted 307 children. These students are not just attending school—they are becoming change agents. Through our interdisciplinary, problem-based curriculum, students tackle critical issues such as poverty, environmental pollution, and hunger. Collectively, their efforts have positively impacted over 5,000 residents in the Ota community, creating ripple effects of change.

One of my proudest moments was watching our Primary 4 students develop a school garden during a thematic unit on “Plants.” In the face of skyrocketing food prices, their project provided nutritious crops like maize, beans, and pumpkin leaves to families in the community. This initiative alleviated hunger and showed how education can directly address urgent societal needs.

Behind all of this is my unwavering commitment to addressing inequality and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Growing up, I personally witnessed how education could transform lives, and I am driven to share that gift with others. My faith and belief in the potential of every child keep me grounded, even on the hardest days.

In addition to leading Talent Mine, I write a weekly newsletter called Aramide’s Diary, where I share lessons from my journey and inspire others to live purposefully and productively.

My vision is to scale Talent Mine’s model across Nigeria and Africa—to ensure that every child can rise above poverty and become a driver of positive change.