- Benchmates Foundation -
Two Children, One Bench, One Book
Why We Are Called Benchmates
Two children share a school bench and one book, and become benchmates. Benchmates Foundation
brings children aged 6 to 12 who are out of school because of poverty into volunteer-led reading
circles in their own neighbourhoods. Every child who joins a circle leaves with a bench of their
own in a school.
weeks of teaching in a circle
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months of follow-up after placement
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weeks for a new community to run a circle
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children planned for the First Circle
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Every child counts. A roll call, by name, at every session.
Teach at the child’s level. Skill decides where a child starts, not age or grade.
Community first. Ward heads, caregivers and teachers shape the circles from the first meeting.
Safe by design. No adult is ever alone with a child, and no child’s data leaves our control.
Honest numbers. We publish results, including the ones that disappoint us.
Open to all. No child is turned away or required to take part in any religious practice.
Free to the child. Families pay nothing to join a circle.
Our Mission
Bring Children Into Circles and School Places
Benchmates Foundation brings out-of-school children aged 6 to 12 into volunteer-led reading
circles in their own neighbourhoods, teaches each child at the child’s level, and walks the
child into a school place and keeps the child there.
Our Vision
A Nigeria Where No Child Sits Outside a Classroom Because the Family Is Poor.
Three-year aim: circles in at least three communities, and at least 300 children entered and
staying in school.
The Work Contributes to These Goals
Quality Education: Children reach school and learn to read and count.
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No Poverty: Circles and school placement are free to families.
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Reduced Inequalities: The poorest children are the ones most likely to be out of school.
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Gender Equality: Boys and girls join on equal terms.
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Partnerships for the Goals: Circles connect with communities, volunteers, local groups and education pathways.
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