Irene Foundation works across Africa — especially Nigeria — to rebuild safe, modern classrooms and put hands-on STEM in the hands of every student. Especially the girls.
A handmade sign. Fifty-five children. One unforgettable morning.
On a Tuesday morning in Ibadan, fifty-five children walked out of their newly equipped classroom holding a sign they had made themselves. We came to deliver books, uniforms, a television, and basic supplies. They reminded us why this work is, and always will be, about people.
02 / Founder
Ella Iwere
Engineer · Educator · Founder
Lagos · Nigeria
My passion for education began when I witnessed the stark difference between the opportunities I had and the challenges many other children faced. While I attended a private school, countless students struggled to learn in torn-down classrooms that were dirty, overcrowded, and under-resourced — rooms barely fit for teaching, let alone for learning.
Seeing their determination despite these obstacles left a lasting impression on me. Today, through our work, we are committed to ensuring that no child is denied a quality education because of poverty or lack of resources.
As an engineer, I am particularly dedicated to promoting STEM education and empowering young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I firmly believe that when you educate a girl, you invest in generations to come.
Together, we can create a future where every child has the tools, support, and opportunity to succeed.
01 / About
Focus: STEM + Infrastructure
Region: Africa, esp. Nigeria
In partnership with local communities
The Irene Foundation is a charitable organization committed to advancing the quality of education across Africa — especially Nigeria. We focus on expanding access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education while supporting the development of safe, modern, and sustainable classroom infrastructure. By addressing both the learning environment and the quality of instruction, we aim to create lasting, transformative changes in underserved communities.
Across many regions in Africa, students face significant barriers to receiving a high-quality education: overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and insufficient exposure to STEM learning opportunities. We were established to help bridge these gaps by investing in both people and infrastructure — so that students not only have a place to learn, but also the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Our programs equip schools with essential learning materials, improve physical classroom conditions, and introduce engaging, hands-on STEM experiences. We work in collaboration with local communities, educators, and partners to ensure that our initiatives are culturally relevant, sustainable, and impactful — empowering students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and pursue pathways that contribute to economic growth and community development. At the core of our work is the belief that education is a powerful driver of opportunity and equity.
Turning unconducive spaces into classrooms kids want to run too.
We rebuild torn-down and damaged schools and turn classrooms that aren't fit for learning into safe, modern, dignified spaces. Alongside the structure, we also supply the essentials — uniforms, notebooks, textbooks, pens, basic furniture — so a child can walk in on day one and simply start learning.
Curiosity into capability.
Hands-on STEM kits, mentorship, and teacher training so science, technology, engineering and math are truly accessible — with a deliberate focus on girls who have been historically left out of these classrooms.
Our 2-to-3-year goal — rebuild 18 schools and reach 12,400 students across Africa, with a special focus on Nigeria and on girls in STEM.
Help us get there. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every shared post moves a real classroom closer to existing.
Words can do only so much. Watch what happens when a community rebuilds a classroom — together, in real time. Filmed on-site, unedited.
Watch on FacebookWe read every message ourselves. We will respond within a week.
Join a community of like-minded people building better schools across Africa. One-time fee — pay what you can afford.
Teach, build, photograph, mentor — bring whatever skill you have. We will match you to a project that needs you.
Schools, NGOs, corporates, media, government — let’s build something together. Tell us about your organisation and we will reach out within a week.
