Webinar Alert!!
Learning in Limbo: Centering Displaced Boys in the Education Conversation
On April 26, 2025, we at Adeyemi Orphanage Relief hosted our Monthly Webinar via IG Live. The conversation focused on a deeply underrepresented topic: “Learning in Limbo: Centering Displaced Boys in the Education Conversation.”
While countless efforts are being made to improve access to education for displaced children, boys are often overlooked in programming and policy. This session shed light on the unique challenges displaced boys face in conflict-affected and unstable regions, especially across Nigeria. From disrupted schooling and trauma to societal pressure and forced labor, these boys are stuck in survival mode—falling further behind in education and emotional development.
The session was moderated by
Adetayo Adetokun, who welcomed the audience and set the tone by reaffirming our mission at Adeyemi Orphanage Relief—to advocate for the welfare, protection, and development of orphaned and vulnerable children across Nigeria. Through storytelling, education, and partnerships, we continue to amplify the voices of children in crisis and connect them to safe, nurturing support systems.
To guide this important conversation, we were joined by two passionate changemakers:
Uchechukwu Obasi
A medical student and youth leader, Uchechukwu is the National Coordinator at CHES Empowerment Foundation. He leads education and healthcare projects targeting vulnerable communities and is a fellow of several prestigious programs including YALI RLC West Africa, LEAP Africa’s Youth Leadership Program, and Aspire Leaders. He also channels his voice through public speaking and spoken word poetry, using creativity to drive change.
Owoeye Ayobami Bidemi
An advocate for children's education and a creative entrepreneur, Ayobami holds a degree in Industrial Design from Ahmadu Bello University. She leads community-based projects that provide learning opportunities for displaced and underserved children. With strong project management skills and a heart for grassroots development, Ayobami designs sustainable initiatives that empower families and communities through education.
The one-hour discussion explored a range of issues, grounded in real-life experiences and strategic insight:
- Displaced boys face distinct barriers in education including trauma, economic hardship, and the pressure to "be strong" and provide, often at the cost of their schooling.
- Masculinity norms can silence boys' emotional struggles, making them less likely to receive psychosocial support.
- Safe, culturally relevant learning spaces are key to helping boys feel secure enough to return to school.
- Community engagement—involving traditional leaders, caregivers, and religious institutions—is critical in rebuilding trust and educational pathways.
- Teachers and mentors play a vital role in re-engagement, acting as consistent anchors in disrupted lives.
- The conversation also touched on digital learning tools, mobile classrooms, and inclusive program models that address trauma while delivering education in flexible formats.
The speakers emphasized that displaced boys should not just be recipients of programs, they must be active participants in shaping what those programs look like.
Call to Action
- Acknowledge the Challenge
Recognize the unique educational and emotional struggles displaced boys face. - Educate Yourself and Others
Learn and share trauma-informed, inclusive, and flexible learning approaches. - Support Local Efforts
Contribute to grassroots organizations working to reconnect displaced boys with learning opportunities. - Push for Policy Change
Advocate for improved child protection policies and funding that prioritize displaced boys in education reform. - Get Involved
Partner with Adeyemi Orphanage Relief. Donate, volunteer, or collaborate to create learning environments that leave no child behind.
At Adeyemi Orphanage Relief, our commitment is simple but powerful: every child deserves the dignity of education and the safety of support. Through initiatives like this webinar, we strive to bring neglected issues to the forefront and work alongside our partners to drive lasting change. Displaced boys matter, and they must be seen, heard, and supported.
