Save the Slum Initiative (STSI) exists to work hand in hand with people living in slum communities across Nigeria to improve their quality of life and protect their dignity. The organization is driven by a simple but powerful mission: to support families who face unsafe living conditions, limited access to essential services, and few economic opportunities, yet continue to demonstrate resilience and hope. STSI’s work is not rooted in charity alone, but in partnership, empowerment, and a commitment to lasting change.

Across Nigeria, millions of people live in slums and informal settlements where access to clean water, safe sanitation, healthcare, and education is uncertain or nonexistent. These conditions expose families to preventable diseases, limit children’s ability to learn, and entrench cycles of poverty that are difficult to escape. STSI was founded in response to these realities, guided by the belief that no community should be left behind simply because it is poor, overcrowded, or overlooked.

In practice, STSI’s mission is to design and deliver practical, community-led solutions that address urgent needs while strengthening the skills, confidence, and leadership of residents to shape their own future. The organization works to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene; support health, nutrition, and disease prevention; promote education, child protection, and safe learning environments; empower women and young people with skills and leadership opportunities; and strengthen community participation and voice in decisions that affect their lives.

STSI’s approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when communities are involved at every stage. The organization listens first, learns from residents, and co-creates solutions that reflect local realities. Its work is guided by principles of community ownership rather than dependency, respect and dignity for all individuals, practical and affordable solutions that can be sustained locally, and transparency and accountability in all actions.

The impact of this mission is reflected in tangible improvements across Nigeria. STSI has reached more than 35 slum communities and supported over 18,000 people through water, sanitation, health, and education programs. More than 120 improved sanitation facilities have been constructed or rehabilitated, over 6,000 hygiene kits distributed to vulnerable households, and 30 schools supported to improve learning conditions for children. In addition, more than 75 community volunteers and leaders have been trained to strengthen local capacity, while thousands of residents have participated in awareness, training, and advocacy activities. Behind each of these figures is a person whose daily life has become safer, healthier, and more hopeful.

The organization’s mission focuses particularly on those most affected by poor living conditions, including children vulnerable to illness and school dropout, women and girls facing safety and dignity challenges, youth seeking skills and opportunities, and persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups. STSI strives to ensure that its work is inclusive and equitable, leaving no one behind.

Guided by the belief that lasting change comes from within communities, STSI’s role is to support, strengthen, and advocate rather than impose solutions. The organization remains committed to long-term engagement, building trust through consistent presence, and amplifying community voices at both local and national levels. As it looks to the future, STSI is determined to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and scale solutions that work. Every borehole constructed, every sanitation facility improved, every child supported, and every community empowered brings the organization closer to a Nigeria where where you live does not limit how well you live. Save the Slum Initiative remains committed to walking alongside slum communities today, tomorrow, and for the long term.