The initiative, launched in early April 2026 at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lagos, represents a novel application of generative AI in educational publishing for underserved markets.

A New Chapter in EdTech Collaboration

Google has partnered with Nigerian NGO Slum2School Africa to produce Stories from Our Home, a Gemini AI-powered colouring book that merges traditional Nigerian folklore with artificial intelligence.

The initiative, launched in early April 2026 at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lagos, represents a novel application of generative AI in educational publishing for underserved markets.

The Publishing Model

The project employed an “Imagination Workshop” methodology, convening Nigerian creatives – including comedian Broda Shaggi, musician Falz, and actor Tobi Bakre – to contribute childhood memories and folktales.

These narratives were subsequently transformed into line-art illustrations using Google’s Gemini AI, with professional design and production handled by Inked Memory, a storytelling tech company founded by Slum2School’s executive director in 2024.

The finished publication features culturally significant Nigerian narratives: Queen Moremi, the Walls of Benin, the Rivers Niger and Benue, and traditional festivals including Argungu and the New Yam Festival.

This approach addresses a documented resource gap – many nursery classrooms in Lagos operate without basic creative tools such as colouring books and crayons.

Distribution and Impact

The initial print run comprises 1,000 copies distributed free to nursery and primary pupils across underserved Lagos communities. Each recipient also receives a “Dream Pack” containing crayons, notebooks, and pencils.

Slum2School Africa has indicated this is the first edition of an ongoing series, with future volumes planned to incorporate additional Nigerian storytellers.

The View From The Gambian Beach

The partnership aligns with Google’s broader African education strategy. In October 2025, the company announced free 12-month access to its AI Pro suite for university students across six African nations, including Nigeria – a programme designed to train 3 million Africans in AI skills. Needless to say, The Gambia didn’t get a second thought. C’est la vie.

The Slum2School collaboration extends this democratisation of AI tools to early childhood education, positioning generative AI as both a creative enabler and a means of cultural preservation. Which coincidentally is what I’m doing with AI here in The Gambia, without Big Corp help. 😀

The Organisation Behind the Initiative

Slum2School Africa, founded by Orondaam Otto in 2012, has directly supported over 685,450 children across 510 underserved communities.

Otto, a 2025 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Harvard Kennedy School graduate, has built the organisation into one of Africa’s leading volunteer-driven education NGOs.

A fantastic job, too!

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.