Life in the slums is undeniably harsh but particularly unforgiving for young girls. Confronted with extreme poverty and constant danger, many street-dwelling girls become targets of gender-based violence. In these environments, dreams are fragile, often crushed beneath the weight of survival, while words like education, creativity, and self-expression seem entirely foreign. What if these girls had a chance to discover their talents, attend school, and create beauty amid the chaos? That would be awesome, as Seyi Oluyole is opening doors to classrooms, dance studios, and art spaces for these girls where hope and freedom thrive through education and the arts.
Oluyole’s journey began in Nigeria, where she intimately understood the burden of poverty from a young age. Raised in a challenging environment, she witnessed children’s struggles on the streets. She is a disruptor who knew she wanted to be an artist from age twelve. Oluoye had a passion for dance, a fascination with filmmaking, and a talent for songwriting, which earned her recognition from influential figures in the arts and music industries.
Despite her talents, her family lived in abject poverty. Her supportive parents did their best to fund her academic and artistic aspirations, but their efforts could only stretch so far. At 21, Oluyole’s life took a significant turn when she was allowed to move to the United States.
In search of a life of impact
Although this move marked a significant milestone, Seyi Oluyole felt unfulfilled—she described it as though her dreams had come true a little too late. Inspired by her journey, she resolved to create opportunities for girls in the slums who struggled to rise above their circumstances like her younger self. At 24, she returned to Nigeria with a renewed vision and established the Dream Catchers Academy.
Founded officially in 2014, Dream Catchers Academy is a non-profit that provides a haven for orphaned and underprivileged girls, equipping them with shelter, formal education, healthcare, welfare, and vocational skills. The programme is designed to empower these girls to succeed academically and pursue their artistic passions.
Out of experience, Seyi Oluyole understands that many girls growing up in slums were passionate about the arts. Thus, she and her team integrated music, dance, and art into the Academy’s curriculum, allowing the girls to express themselves while honing their creativity. Academic excellence remains a key focus, with the girls being encouraged to excel in school while exploring their artistic potential.
“I believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. That’s why I dedicate my time to supporting impoverished kids, providing them with all the basic necessities of life,” Oluyole explains in a LinkedIn post.
Dance plays a central role in the Academy’s work. Through the Dream Catchers Dance Group, the girls have performed in music videos, concerts, and other events, gaining international visibility. That has not only boosted their confidence but also inspired others around the world.
In 2016, Oluyole founded the Dream Nurture Initiative, a youth-led non-profit organisation to empower vulnerable women and children through education and welfare support. The organisation distributes relief materials, invests in vulnerable groups, and organises workshops on topics such as menstrual hygiene. To date, it has provided over 600 women and girls with menstrual kits and sensitised over 10,000 on the importance of good hygiene.
Over the past nine years, the initiative has directly supported more than 9,200 children, with 100 beneficiaries graduating from university on fully sponsored scholarships.
The founder’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the BBC’s recognition as one of their “Outlook Inspirations” in 2018. Her efforts have also been featured on CNN, Al Jazeera, and Yahoo News. In addition, the Lagos State government recognised her Academy for its impactful contributions.
Prominent figures such as Beyoncé and Justin Bieber have also acknowledged her initiatives, and partners like Kimberly-Clark Nigeria have provided resources to support her mission. The Academy’s dancers have shared the stage with global icons like Naomi Campbell. Recently, they made it to the Semi-finals at France Got Talent.
Through the Dream Catchers Academy and Dream Nurture Initiative, Seyi Oluyole continues to rewrite the narrative for impoverished girls. Her efforts have uplifted thousands and shown the world the transformative power of education, creativity, and hope.
