Deborah Adelaja is reshaping the narrative around what quality education truly means. Her work centers on a core truth often overlooked: where children learn is just as important as what they learn.

From broken roofs to crowded classrooms, Deborah has seen how unsafe, neglected school environments strip children of their dignity and limit their potential. Through her foundation’s Quality Environment = Quality Learning (QEQL) project, she’s working to renovate 500 schools across Africa by 2035, making sure that no child’s dreams are cut short because of their learning conditions.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Deborah Adelaja whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change? 

My piece for change is creating safe, functional, and quality educational environments for children in underserved communities. Through my foundation, Big Heart Great Impact Foundation, I focus on education, health, and youth empowerment initiatives that give every child the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

My personal journey experiencing both private and public schooling - revealed how deeply the quality of a learning environment impacts a child’s future. I saw firsthand how broken infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of resources limit children’s potential. That experience inspired me to ensure that no child’s dreams are cut short because of their learning conditions.

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I envision an Africa where every child, regardless of background, has access to safe, functional, and quality education. My 10-year goal is to ensure conducive learning environments for 500 schools by 2035 through our Quality Environment = Quality Learning (QEQL) project.

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

I’m looking to connect with partners, policymakers, and education-focused organizations to scale our school renovation and digital literacy projects, as well as volunteers and donors passionate about transforming education across Africa.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

Education is not just about teachers and textbooks—it’s also about the environment where children learn. A quality environment fosters quality learning. If we want to solve the literacy crisis, we must prioritize infrastructure, digital access, and student well-being alongside curriculum and teaching.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

• Instagram: @deborah__adelaja
• BHGIF IG: @bigheart_greatimpact_f
• LinkedIn: Adelaja (Damilola) Deborah
• Email: [email protected] 

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

If Deborah’s story resonates with you, reach out, share reflections, or co-create new possibilities together.

🌿 Thank you, Deborah, for sharing your #PieceForChange and for reminding us that dignity in education begins with the space we create for children to dream, learn, and thrive.

Stay tuned for next week’s Changeworker feature, and if you’d like to be highlighted, join the campaign and tick the box to express your interest.