Google is teaming with Nigerian actor and comedian, Samuel Animashaun Perry, known professionally as Broda Shaggi and Slum2School Africa to give 1000 colour books to pupils in under-developed areas.

In many nursery classrooms across Lagos, children lack basic creative tools like colouring books and crayons; items that are vital for developing fine motor skills, focus, and imagination.

The goal of the project is to create and donate a culturally relevant folklore colouring book as part of ‘Dream Packs’ for the children in underserved communities.

These packs will include the book, crayons, notebooks, writing materials, and educational games. The book will celebrate myths, humour, characters, and everyday imagination visually interpreted by creators who are deeply connected to Nigerian culture.

To introduce the project, creatives were engaged on a hands-on initiative centered on their imagination and cultural lens. They were joined by a curated group of other leading Nigerian creators and influencers to reimagine African folklore using Gemini as a creative enabler.

Google West Africa’s PR and Communications Manager, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said: “The best technology is the one that solves problems; at google, our mission is to make information universally accessible and make it relevant and that is what drives the world for us.”

He said the collaboration with Slum2School Africa and Broad Shaggi is focused on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower kids, putting AI into the hands of storytellers.

“Story books play a big role in the mental development of children. We are using Gemini to visualise stories, history and we are using it as a tool to convert thoughts into story books for children.

“Not only are we giving the children a story book for their mental development, we are also helping them connect with stories they can relate with, and, it’s an initiative we are excited about. Broda Shaggi grew up in a slum with this kind of experience. People can use Gemini as their creative ally.

When asked about how long the partnership will last, he said: “This is not about duration, it’s a case of impact. The plan is to impact 1000 children and we are going to produce 1000 coloured books. In addition, we will be working with Slum2School Africa to provide a number of others school items such as crayons, notebooks and others.

“Our hope is that many will start using the tool to develop colouring books for their church members, neighbours and communities. Colouring books are great for children’s mental development and coordination.

On his part, Shaggi, said: “The goal is to make more people know about the project. It’s sad that seven out of 10 Nigerian children can’t make a simple sentence or solve a basic math problem by age 10.

When asked about why he decided to embrace the project, he said: “Giving back to the society has always been what I am passionate about even though I don’t publicise it. I know my story and I know a lot of children living in my former reality. Giving the books will help a lot of children and family.

“I am big on humanity and children because I believe the children are the leaders of tomorrow. I believe the government has the ability to make education free for all, provide books, uniform and others. Children, especially in rural areas are suffering.”

Also, speaking, Founder and Executive Director, Slum2School Africa, Orondaam Otto, “We have been in the forefront in supporting children from mostly underserved communities for over 14 years.
We have supported over 715,000 children and we also ensure they have access to contents that make them understand the importance of their identity, culture and heritage. Gemini Colouring Book is a timely intervention.

“Millions of Nigerian children grow up watching foreign movies, listening for foreign folktales. We don’t teach history in this part of the world so, a young child fantasises foreign culture and stories without knowledge of their own.

Colouring book is one of the best ways children can start getting themselves involved in educative content. Our goal is to conceptualise and get African stories into the hands of early years so the children can learn about their own stories. Every child must be given the opportunity to excel, get quality education and understand,” he added.