Ending Homelessness Is Child’s PlayPublished: 1 September 2025 1. Introduction At BYOH, we believe the solution to homelessness begins not in adulthood, but in childhood. Our vision is simple yet radical: teach trades in schools from age 4 to 16, so that every child graduates not only with knowledge, but with the skills to build homes, restore dignity, and transform communities. BYOH is more than a programme—it’s a movement. It’s active across Nigeria and Scotland, and it’s reshaping how we think about education, housing, and youth empowerment. 2. The BYOH Curriculum: From Primary to Purpose From early years through secondary school, students engage in hands-on learning across key trades such as (but not limited to): 🪚 Carpentry 🧱 Masonry 🚿 Plumbing ⚡ Electrical work 🏠 Roofing and design This BYOH subject is a recommended addition to the existing curriculum and where appropriate can be woven into existing subjects, adapted for age-appropriate learning, and delivered with a focus on

Moral law springs from universal ethics, conscience or divine commands—it tells us what should be. Positive law is what a society’s legislature & courts formally enact and enforce—it tells us what must be. Government will be moral if they have funds

Homelessness in Nigeria is a major crisis, with an estimated 24.4 million people living without stable housing. Several factors contribute to this issue: Extreme Poverty – A significant portion of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line, making it difficult to afford housing. Unemployment – High unemployment rates force many people into homelessness as they struggle to pay rent or mortgages. Urbanisation & Overcrowding – Rapid urban growth has led to housing shortages, particularly in cities like Lagos, where 70% of residents live in informal settlements. Forced Evictions – Government-led demolitions have displaced thousands, often without warning, leaving people homeless overnight. Conflict & Displacement – Insurgency has forced millions to flee their homes. Natural Disasters – Flooding and other disasters have destroyed homes, leaving many without shelter. Lack of Social Housing – Nigeria’s housing deficit stands at 28 million, and existing social housing efforts are insuff

Historical Overview of Housing Development 1.1 Early Human Shelters Early human shelters represented the initial responses to environmental challenges, showcasing humanity's ingenuity and adaptability. These primitive dwellings ranged from simple structures like caves and huts to more complex family units constructed from natural materials such as wood, stone, and animal hides. Archaeological findings indicate that these shelters not only provided protection from the elements but also played a crucial role in the social organisation of early human communities. For instance, the discovery of structures like those at Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey suggests the existence of communal living spaces that facilitated social interaction and co-operation among members. Renowned anthropologist Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes that these early shelters laid the groundwork for the emergence of complex societies, stating, "the real revolution is not what humans invented but how they organised themsel

The Scottish Government has faced criticism for placing women and children in mixed-sex temporary accommodation, particularly in hotels and B&Bs. Campaigners argue that these environments can be unsafe, with reports of sexual assault and exploitation. Despite calls for women-only homeless accommodation, the government has yet to fully implement dedicated spaces. A petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament urges reforms to ensure women and children are safeguarded from potential harm. In Glasgow, only 16% of people housed in emergency hotels or B&Bs are women, highlighting concerns about the male-to-female ratio in temporary housing. Campaigners argue that women are self-excluding from homeless services due to safety fears. Advocacy groups in Scotland are pushing for women-only homeless accommodation to protect vulnerable women from unsafe mixed-sex environments. Campaigners argue that placing women and children in hotels and B&Bs with predominantly male residents increases the ris

We are advised Housing is still very much a health issue in Scotland. The Scottish Government's Housing to 2040 strategy acknowledges the deep connection between housing and health outcomes, emphasising that good-quality, affordable housing is essential for well-being. Poor housing conditions—such as damp, mould, and insecure tenure—continue to contribute to health inequalities, affecting both physical and mental health. Public Health Scotland also recognises housing as a key determinant of health, supporting policies that aim to improve housing standards and accessibility. While efforts are being made to address these challenges, housing remains a critical factor in public health discussions.