Dear Friend,

Almost ten years ago, I taught a class of 82 children in Abeokuta, Nigeria. They were bright, curious and full of possibility. Many also faced significant barriers: limited learning resources, financial pressures at home, and little access to people and opportunities that could help them imagine and pursue different futures.

I entered the classroom motivated by the idea of helping build a country where every child could receive a good education. As I got to know the children, their families and the community, I became personally invested in their futures. I wanted to see what they would go on to do and help them along the way. Those relationships are a large part of why I have stayed in education ever since.

They are also why I founded Sharing Life Africa: I wanted to help these children have a fair chance in life, with people who could walk alongside them.

Today, some are finishing secondary school. Some are considering university, work or vocational training. Over the next few years, they will make decisions that could shape much of their adult lives.

The Possibility Project is a way to walk this next part of the journey with them.

The idea

We will begin with around 15–20 young people, building a programme that can support them closely over several years.

We want to know each participant personally, understand their ambitions, identify what stands in their way, and help them take practical steps forward. Their interests and choices will shape the support they receive.

The aim is simple: to help young people develop their talents and pursue their futures with access to information, exposure, relationships and opportunity.

What we will focus on

1. Strong academic foundations

Where participants need additional support, we will help them access tutoring, books and exam preparation, alongside support with reading, writing, mathematics and study habits.

2. Skills for the future

Through practical activities and projects, participants will develop capabilities they can use across education, work and everyday life:

• Communication and writing
• Digital skills and responsible use of AI
• Research and critical thinking
• Financial literacy
• Problem-solving and entrepreneurship
• Teamwork and leadership

3. Exposure to possibilities

One of the greatest advantages some young people inherit is knowing what is possible—and knowing someone who can help them get there.

We want participants to meet people across a wide range of fields, including engineering, healthcare, education, business, the arts, technology and skilled trades.

Workplace and university visits, career conversations and practical experiences will help them discover unfamiliar paths and understand what pursuing them involves.

4. Mentorship and guidance

Every participant will have someone consistently checking in on them and helping them think through questions such as:

• What am I good at, and what would I like to explore?
• What kind of future interests me?
• What should I be working towards this year?
• Which opportunities could I pursue?
• Who could help me take the next step?
• What is getting in my way?

We want to make available some of the guidance and networks that many young people receive informally through family and professional connections.

5. Help at critical transitions

We will offer practical support as participants move from school into university or vocational training, from training into apprenticeships, and from education into work or enterprise.

Depending on individual needs and available funds, this could include help with applications, exam fees, transport, internet access, a short course, equipment or an introduction to the right person.

How we will start

The first year will be deliberately small, giving us time to understand participants’ needs and build a programme we can sustain.

Reconnect and listen. We will locate as many of my former pupils as possible and speak with them and their families about their lives, ambitions and immediate needs.

Build the first cohort. Around 15–20 young people will receive sustained individual support. We also aim to keep others connected through wider workshops, opportunities and events.

Create a plan together. Each participant will develop a simple roadmap: where they are now, what they want to explore, what they need to learn, and their next three actions.

Stay involved. Regular check-ins will help participants review their progress, respond to setbacks and adapt their plans as their interests and circumstances change.

Consistency is central to the project. We intend to build relationships that last across the years when young people are making consequential decisions about their futures.