Dolly Children Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Youth Through Summer Programme, Empowers 501 Children
The Dolly Children Foundation (DCF) commemorated the successful conclusion of Summer 10.0, its landmark 10th edition of the flagship free summer learning programme. Celebrating a decade of dedication to providing educational opportunities for underserved children, this milestone underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth, confidence, and talent among Nigeria’s youth.
Held from July 27 to August 26, 2026, in Makogi, Magboro, Ogun State, the five-week initiative engaged a total of 501 children and young people from 105 schools and 15 communities. The program offered a dynamic mix of academic instruction, digital and coding education, vocational skills training, mentorship, leadership development, sports, cultural activities, and disability-awareness education.
At the main centre, 438 learners participated directly, with an additional 63 children benefiting from the parallel Summer Lesson Programme at the DCF Community Office. The program successfully engaged 224 boys and 277 girls, who explored 10 practical skill areas including shoemaking, tailoring, baking, bead-making, recycling, hairdressing, soap-making, welding, fascinator-making, and art and craft.
The digital learning segment trained 66 learners, guiding them from basic computer skills to creating websites and web-application prototypes. Meanwhile, 15 mentorship and counseling modules addressed vital topics such as purpose, career choices, financial literacy, leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and personal development, with nine learners receiving one-on-one counseling.
Beyond classroom activities, Summer 10.0 expanded its reach with a disability-inclusion session facilitated by The IREDE Foundation, food support for 50 families through Do Good Charity Initiative, and leadership development opportunities for 13 teenagers via Daystar Leadership Academy.
The Foundation expressed deep appreciation for its partners and supporters, including Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU), Reel Foundation, The IREDE Foundation, Do Good Charity Initiative, Daystar Christian Centre, House of Cedar, Kids Being Kids Foundation, Macnugar Paints, LEAF, and Lagos Food Bank.
Mrs. Adedolapo Osuntuyi, Executive Director of DCF, reflected on the significance of this milestone: “Summer 10.0 is a remarkable milestone for us. Ten years of creating spaces where children can learn, build confidence, discover their talents and develop skills is something we are deeply grateful for. But while we celebrate how far we have come, we are even more excited about what lies ahead. Every edition has made us better, and we believe the coming years will bring even greater opportunities and impact for more children.”
For DCF, reaching 10 editions underscores the power of sustained partnerships and collective action in advancing educational equity. The Foundation is committed to building on the successes of Summer 10.0, strengthening collaborations, and expanding opportunities as preparations kick off for Summer 11.0.
