Ojo Suru David

Ojo is the first recipient of The Nigerian School Project’s scholarship program. Having achieved exemplary academic success and a continued devotion to the organization’s mission, Ojo was selected to direct the on-the-ground operations of The Dream School Foundation, a foundation providing mentorship to graduates of NSP.  

Ojo is a visionary leader and business strategist who has assumed different leadership roles and founded business organizations in a bid to proffer solutions to economic problems.

Ojo’s leadership roles can be traced back to his secondary school days as the Head Prefect. In 2018, he was elected as the President of the Distance Learning Institute Students Association/Union at the University of Lagos, overseeing over 13,000 students. From 2009 – 2010, Ojo served as the Logistics/Distribution Manager for Adakar Groups of Companies. From 2010-2013, Ojo was the Project/Procurement Manager for DW contracted to Ehibio Nigeria LTD. In 2016 Ojo founded the Q-project and Facility Management Company, providing maintenance, estate agency, construction, logistics and facility management services.

Ojo holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos (First class), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Transport Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, a Higher National Diploma in Shipping and Logistics Management from Nigeria Institutes of Shipping, Apapa Lagos (Upper Credit) and a National Diploma in Nautical science from the Maritime Academy Oron, Akwa-Ibom. 

His words, spoken in 2004 to Dena Grushkin NSP’s founder & CEO, will always remain the driving force behind NSP and DSF’s mission and service to Nigeria’s youth.  “When I wake up in the morning I am no longer afraid to dream.”

Ruth Odey

Ruth enjoys her current role as a Ground Coordinator for The Dream School Foundation because of her passion for education. Even when not working, you can often find her surrounded by teenagers who look up to her as a big sister and source of motivation.

Ruth Odey is from Cross River State in Nigeria.  She is a graduate of The IRGIB Africa University in Benin Republic where she earned a Baccalaureate Degree in International Relations.

Ruth is a certified member of the Gender Vanguard Group of Nigeria. From 2015-2016, she served as the vice president of the Ido/Osi Ekiti state chapter as a corp member.

In addition to her business degree Ruth is a self-taught fashion designer having trained under Poshy Faculty. Her line of men and women’s clothing, Ruth Couture Fashion can be found on Instagram @ruthodey90.

In 2017 Ruth worked as head of customer relations for Jumia Nigeria. She resigned to serve in NYSC and upon completion returned to Lagos to pursue her love for children as a teacher of 4 – 7 year olds at the Swotroyal Montessori School.  

Racheal Odey

In 2018, Racheal left the corporate world to help launch The Dream School Foundation as the marketing/finance administrator. She believes, with her love for business and humanitarian causes, she can provide excellence, integrity and quality service to Nigeria’s youth.  

Racheal Odey is from Cross River State in Nigeria.  She is a graduate of The IRGIB Africa University in Benin Republic where she earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration.

From 2014 to 2018, Rachael worked as a business manager and account officer for Courierplus Service Limited.

In addition to working for The Dream School Foundation, Racheal is the marketing coordinator and model for her sister, Ruth Odey’s fashion design company, Ruth Couture Fashion.  

Kimberly Cecchini 

Kim is the Educational Consultant at The Dream School Foundation. An opportunity in 2017 to teach in the Tomaro Schools fueled her interest in promoting The Dream School Foundation’s mission. Kim is excited to continue working with Nigerian students, learning more about Nigerian culture and promoting cross-cultural engagement between her Nigerian and American school communities.

Originally from New Jersey, Kim has a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Education from New Jersey City University. 

For almost two decades, Kim has been teaching middle school students. Currently she is a 6th grade inclusion teacher for the Seattle Public Schools. 

In addition to teaching, Kim is a freelance journalist and photojournalist. Believing in the power of journalism and art, Kim founded Tonight at Dawn Media, whose mission it is to create conversations and connections about the human experience.

In 2016, Kim traveled to Nigeria to create a documentary film about schools built on Tomaro-Onisiwo Island. The opportunity to produce and direct Tomaro–Knowledge is Power truly complements this filmmaker and educator’s belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Dena Grushkin

Dena Grushkin, the founder and director of The Dream School Foundation, was also the founder and director of The Nigerian School Project, a non-profit educational organization that supports teachers and students in Nigeria, West Africa. Dena is also a celebrated photojournalist and a retired, innovative Teaneck, New Jersey middle school teacher. 

In 2009, the NSP built the first junior/secondary school on Tomaro Island, a river community of over 350,000 residents. This public school, adopted by the Lagos State government, now has an enrollment of over 400 students, nearly half of whom are girls. The building of this school drew the attention of the United States Embassy, and medical teams began conducting health clinics. In 2011, a permanent medical facility was built, funded by the US Embassy.

In 2013 and 2014, the school received distinguished awards for scoring among the highest of all junior/secondary schools in Lagos State (competing against 3,000 schools), a remarkable achievement for those teachers and students. The school was rewarded with computers initially powered by electrical generators. In 2015, the government installed solar batteries and panels. One year later, Tomaro was honored with a visit from the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle who said, “Tomaro is another example of how much is accomplished through personal ties and relationships between Americans and Nigerian communities.”

It was in 2004 that a visit to Nigeria opened Dena’s eyes to the reality of children living and studying under the most challenging circumstances. Upon her return she created The Nigerian School Project and has been traveling there annually, providing support in whatever way she can. She has purchased textbooks, sewn school uniforms, constructed classroom furniture, built school libraries, provided university scholarships, and shipped over 10,000 library books via the US Navy. The results can be witnessed in over fifteen public schools and has been recognized by the Nigerian government in awards, publications and letters of appreciation.

Dena’s commitment continued with the building of a senior secondary school in 2014, a teacher residence in 2015, and a security wall surrounding the entire school compound in 2016.

Twelve years ago, she chose to devote herself to the education of Nigeria’s youth. It was the indomitable spirit she encountered there that continues to inspire her today. 

Raphael Monday Besanh  

IRGIB Africa University, Benin Republic

Glory be to God almighty for this great opportunity to be in this position.

There is always a challenge if one finds him/herself in a new place or condition, but it is determination that matters most. With the little time in university I have acquired a lot of knowledge and have been exposed to many things that I have not learned before through my reading and studying.

In my academic activities, many challenges have come my way. Now I realize how I needed to be serious in all of my schooling in primary and secondary because it can affect you in the university if you are not prepared well. My advice to my other friends who are also preparing to be in this position is to prepare well and work hard because university is not a joke. It depends on you how you want to use your life and how you want your dreams to exist.

Now from my experience I notice that university comprises two sections, academic and life. Academics is why I am in school and what I am about to achieve. I must be present in all lectures. I also participate in tests, research, assignments and presentations in order to get marks and pass my courses. It is great challenge for me but is it compulsory and the reason why am in school. I have to bright out my future. (?)

The second section has to do with my life activities in school. This is how I relate to friends and how I meet new friends. It’s about being responsible and being exposed to new things that I have not experienced before. I meet friends who are naturally brilliant and good in academic activities.  I meet friends with different gist (interest)(?) and relationships. I can now stand and speak and present confidently. This has to do with my ability to speak and compose myself as a student. This is my little (?) experience in school now.

I am using this opportunity to appreciate The Dream School Foundation for their effort and commitment to my success in life. This scholarship has been my leader (?) to success so far. Without this scholarship, I won’t have been in this position. I wouldn’t have been in the position to learn all this knowledge that will better my life and my future. This scholarship has brought me to the door of my success. Now, it’s up to me to work hard and open the door.

I have great appreciation to The Dream School Foundation and the representatives in charge, Miss Ruth, Miss Rachael and Mr. Suru David. My promise is not to disappoint the body entirely and of course my family.

Israel Okon

University of Lagos

All my life I have always wanted to go beyond the ordinary life my entire family has lived. The average life, with little or nothing. To start with, I knew I needed education, beyond the ordinary school leaving certification. But then aspiring to get a better education would have just been a mere fantasy without an able hand. Fortunately, I went to one of the best secondary schools in Lagos, built and denoted by no other person than Chief Ms. Dena Grushkin under the Nigerian School Project (NSP).

Like I said, I never wanted to settle. To be able to go to the university and get a better education that will shape my life and enable me to realize my dream of being an Architect, there was need for support both physically, mentally and most importantly financially.

The Dream School Foundation again established by Chief Ms. Dena Grushkin and anchored by her board of committee (?) has taken upon themselves to see me through the path of destiny. Apart from the huge amount they spend for my education at the University of Lagos, Akoka, they have also built a strong family that encourages and motivates me towards achieving those dreams. To be sincere, school is very challenging and demanding.  Sometimes I feel frustrated and confused towards my studies but again Mr. Suru David, president of the Dream School Foundation, as well as mummy, Dena have always been there to encourage me and let me know that rough paths always tend to beautiful destinations.

With all these challenges, I know I will make it and make not just the Foundation proud but everyone looking up to me with great expectation. I’ve learned to strive for success and not just admire success. Like Mr. Suru says, life won’t give me what I deserve but rather what I demand. There is no amount of words that I can use to express my gratitude to you Mummy Dena, to The Dream School Foundation and to everyone who has directly and or indirectly contributed to my success academically. I owe you all my success and pray for good fortune so as to make every one of you proud and also reciprocate the same to the younger ones coming.

Agbaje Omalara Shukurat

IRGIB Africa University, Benin Republic

My name is Agbaje Shukurat. I am a product of Tomaro High School.  I have been given a great privilege to further my education by The Dream School Foundation.

This was the most heart filled joy I have ever had during my lifetime.

I am saying a big thanks to The Dream School Foundation and I am wholeheartedly grateful.

The journey is one of my happiest moments in my life, I am an international relations student. This course has bought so much exposure to me. I have learned so many things on this course and some others courses like French, English and my main course, International Relations. We do projects and presentations every week and I am happy about it because it brings more knowledge to me.

May God continually bless and shower his blessings on The Dream School Foundation.

Once again, I am grateful for this privilege given to me and I promise not to misuse it.

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