FAQ's

What is SELI?

Star-Education and Leadership Initiative (SELI ) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving learning outcomes for children and young people through education, play, Teacher Training and Consultancy, leadership development, and community engagement.

SELI is committed to improving learning outcomes and expanding opportunities that ensure children, teenagers, and young people not only attend school but thrive while there across Northern Nigeria. We advance education through playful learning, libraries and literacy programs, teacher training and consultancy, and youth leadership, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive and succeed academically, thereby contributing meaningfully to their communities.

What does SELI do?

SELI runs programmes that support children, teens, teachers, and schools, including:

Educational Playgrounds (PlaySpaces)
Back-to-School Support
Community Children’s Libraries
Book Clubs
Scholarship Schemes
Bible Clubs
Teacher Training Workshops
Teens’ School Summit

Leadership & Mentoring Programmes

Who does SELI support?

We work with:

Nursery and primary school children
Preteens and teenagers in secondary schools
Teachers and school leaders, proprietors
Youths

Parents, caregivers, and communities

Where does SELI work?

Our projects currently operate mainly in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with an expanding reach to surrounding communities and states.

How can a school request a SELI project or programme?

Schools can submit a request through our contact email.
Requests are reviewed based on community needs, available resources, and project timelines.

How are SELI projects funded?

Our work is funded through grants, matching grants, donations, partnerships, and community support.
Past grants and partnerships, and funding include the U.S. Department of State, IREX, Mandela Washington Fellowship, and Play360.

Does SELI accept volunteers?

Yes. Volunteers are welcome for:

Reading and literacy programmes at our Community Children’s Library
Educational Playground builds
Mentoring activities
Teacher trainings
Community outreach events

Teens Summits, etc.
No previous experience is required. We provide guidance.

How can I donate to SELI?

Support can be given through direct transfer or by contacting us via email for donation details.
See Donation Page for details.

How can I partner with SELI?

Organisations, schools, and individuals can partner with SELI through programme sponsorship, joint events, grants, technical support, or shared community initiatives.
Simply contact us to begin the conversation.

Does SELI offer scholarships?

Yes. The SELI Scholarship Scheme provides both merit-based and need-based financial support to children and teens to help bridge educational gaps.

How can I invite SELI or Aunty Esther for a school programme or speaking engagement?

Invitations can be sent through our email.
Please include event details, expected audience, and preferred dates.

How can communities request a children’s library or reading club?

Communities can reach out through our email.
We prioritise areas with limited access to books and learning spaces.

How can my school or community request an SELI playground?

Schools or communities that need an educational playground can request one by contacting us through our email. In your message, please include:

The name of the intended beneficiary school
Your location
The number of children who will benefit
The current play situation (if any)
Why you need a SELI Educational Playground

SELI reviews requests based on community needs, available resources, and project timelines.
Once your request is received, our team will reach out to discuss next steps and possible partnerships.

Is SELI a registered organisation?

Yes. SELI is a registered nonprofit with the CAC committed to transparency, community impact, and accountability.

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