ACTS OF SERVICE(1)

Saturday 5^th October, 2019 was not just like any other day, it was rather memorable and inspiring. I got a chance to be among the 1000 volunteers newly inducted into the Slum2School Africa volunteer-driven organization which provides quality education to children living in slums and remote communities across Africa.

I’ve always been interested in helping people. So, when I saw this year’s call for application, I knew I couldn’t miss this golden opportunity. It is one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. Before applying, I had done my research to know exactly who they are and what they do so when I finally got the mail notifying me of my acceptance, I was excited. 

The induction program was held in Lagos. Registration began and attendees consisted of a wide range of different people from diverse backgrounds. We got acquainted with one another by playing a game introduced by Mr Tayo Olosunde, the founder of E.Green Limited.

Mr Otto Orondaam, the founder, talked about how he left the bank to follow his passion and founded Slum2School Africa in 2012 with support from friends. Our story(slum2school) video showed the level of illiteracy and abject poverty in slums. Since 2012, Slum2School has touched the lives of many children across 31 communities across Nigeria.

During the event, beneficiaries of Slum2School Africa talked about their experience and how it changed their lives. Volunteers also talked about how they’ve helped increase the literacy level of recipients and provide access to basic health care during their outreach events. 

Volunteers were admonished to be the best we can be at all times: having a heart full of love and to be bold and confident.

We were divided into teams based on our skills. This was one of the most interesting moments for me because the Team Leaders got to explain what they do in each unit of the department and our questions were answered.

We later had discussions back in the tents with what we learnt from the departments. New volunteers were inducted( a ceremony of holding hands and singing) then the ceremony came to an end.

Next, we had a community visit. We arrived at Makoko community in the city of Lagos. The journey started with a little walk into the community, after which we had to use a canoe to move further. Seeing a community where the children mostly did not have access to quality education, clean environment, clean water, etc. was quite sad. It is a place where people have a right to be sad. Yet, through their pain they still smiled, children were playing, waving, and swimming in the black, dirty water not bothered about what harm it could do to them. The children were eager to have copies of the illustrative file even though most of them cannot read.

I was particularly struck by the sight of a little girl selling fried fish. Because her wares were exposed, the little girl tore some nylons to cover them. I was impressed that at her little age she knew about hygiene; I wondered how much more she'll turn out to be when given a chance to be educated.Seeing how their parents struggled to make a living, some selling food items such as boli, household items, etc. was very emotional.

For me, the community visit was the highlight of the whole event. It taught me how to appreciate whatever I have, piqued my passion to do more and assist people as the song by M.J preaches: “We are the world. We are the ones to make a better day, so let’s start giving”.

It never really ends here. We all need to contribute our quota towards making sure children get access to good education, good health care systems, and a healthy and safe environment. So join me as I begin this journey as a volunteer for Slum2School Africa. You are the change you need to see in the society so let’s join hands and do more in ensuring our country is a better one 

#ivolunteer #slum2school #letsdomore.