Ojisi

Of Teachers, Social Contract and Educational Development

02:37

It was William Arthur Ward who once wrote “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”.

Today is Teacher's Day and the 2024 theme: Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education recognizes the valued roles teachers play as they are the most important in-school factor when it comes to learning.

I come from a background of illustrious teachers on both my paternal and maternal side. Both my parents were teachers and I am married to a teacher. I have spent many years volunteering at summer lessons teaching social Studies, Civic Education and Government. By virtue of my many years of moderating and presiding over Model United Nations conferences and committees within and outside Nigeria, you can safely infer that I am also a teacher.

You will agree with me that In all, the teacher leaves you better than you were with your parents. In many cases, teachers have gone on to help people discover their destinies.

The age long maxim the teacher's reward is in heaven has become a dangerous philosophy, a breeding ground for contempt and the trivialization of the role of teachers. The reward for teachers need not be seen in tangible pecuniary terms, but in many intangibles - respect, dignity, recognition. The teacher stands towering above every other profession, because it is the cradle of both professional and vocational excellence.

But what do we find in today's society? A direct contempt for the person or the profession itself. They are constantly being owed salaries and, even when they retire, pensions don't come as it should. They continue to battle both natural and environmental forces to ensure that lessons are taught and comprehension achieved.

Teachers endure very harsh conditions of service and work assidiously to build the next generation. Well, this isn't new when we consider that even Jesus' authority was questioned, his teachings contested. But it does not embolden us to disregard our teachers.

It is he who hasn't been taught before that would not be grateful for lessons of life imparted by the teacher. Teachers, lead the motivation charge, helping people to unleash their passion and bear true gifts to the world. Teachers are the real MVPs because they never tire to lend themselves; regularly pouring out their own lives as a libation for the service of others.

To every profession, a teacher is responsible. To the many success and ingenuity recorded in our World today, the hand of the teacher is visible. Today, the world celebrates the amazing roles Teachers play in shaping our lives and in building great minds.

In praise of teachers, Maria Montessori puts it well "It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it." If the teacher does this, then why can't we value them and then improve their status?

We owe our teachers a debt of gratitude. Our thankfulness should not be ensconced only on a day like this. It should be a daily mantra - a sort of timeless gratitude. For as Bill Gates rightly said, "Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important."

Today, I celebrate the love of my life, wife of my youth, mother of our son and teacher to both of us - Nkiruka Mary Sylvia Udechukwu. BSc. PGDE. M.ED for the outstanding role she plays as an educator.

Baby gurl, keep shining!

Today, treat a teacher nice. Thank a teacher!

#thedailyletter #jisi #teachers #teaching #teachersday2024 #ojisiemezie

Stay Jiggy

Jisi

0 Comments

Africa

The African Child, Still in Search of Justice

10:47

Today is the Day of the African Child.

There is so much to be said about the African Child especially in contemporary times, particularly in Nigeria even as we navigate through the New Normal, brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. In these times, the African Child is inundated with a litany of needs and wants amidst plenty. A striking paradox that defines the present state of the African Child.

The Day of the African Child, DAC is commemorated every year since 1991 in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa, during which students who marched in protest against the poor quality of education were massacred by the then apartheid regime in place in South Africa. Thirty years after, we continue to witness a steady decline of the education system in the continent, so much so that African countries continue export their best potentials abroad in a vicious cycle of brain drain, while still enriching the West with more wealth in form of education tourism.

The 2020 theme focused on justice with the theme "Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa". The theme as adopted by the African Union, AU in 2019 is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs and the Agenda2063 of the AU. The theme called for justice for the African Child for the many crimes committed. This is because a lot of African children needs more than mere rhetoric to survive in this ever changing world, especially now that the world grapples with the effect of Covid-19.

Within the Nigerian context, there still exist glaring Inequality, child marriages, rape,child molestation, female genital mutilation, mindless looting of the commonwealth, poor infrastructure, weak education and health care systems, all pointers to a bleak future for the Nigerian Child and indeed the African Child. Despite the very deplorable state of affairs in our continent, the African child remains resolute, creative, resilient, forward thinking and does not wait for the government to act.

On the 16th June 1976, students marched in protest against the poor quality of education they received and demanded to be taught in their languages. They were met with brute force and many were killed in that incident. 45 years after the Soweto Uprising, 30 years after the first commemoration of the DAC, the African Child still suffers from State sponsored oppression as was seen in the EndSARS movement in Nigeria last year, with the invitation of the military to quell protesters.

Nearly five decades after the Soweto Uprising, we still experience very low investments in education, poor curriculum development, old fashioned pedagogy prompting the African Child to learn under very difficult circumstances. Yet, the African Child continues to defy the odds, charting new courses and excelling at his or her chosen enterprise amidst obvious limitations.

It is against this background that the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, ACERWC, a committee of the AU established under Articles 32 and 33 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Charter) chose the 2021 theme as “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.

Today's celebration calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges facing the African Child across the continent. The ACERWC calls on Member States to contextualize this celebration as a build-up to the realisation of the rights of children from the family/community level and up to national and international levels.

In 2017, the theme was “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for Children in Africa: Accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity”. The Child friendly version is “Accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunities for children in Africa by 2030″. Again, this theme is in line with the SDGs and the Agenda2063 of the African Union.

We can't continue to wait for our political leaders and policy makers to bamboozle us with their fine grammar and grandiose talks. Forty-five years after, was the blood of the Soweto Protesters shed in vain?

God forbid that those lives died for nothing.

Our leaders must go beyond the rhetorics and implement Agenda 2040 if indeed we want an Africa fit for children by 2063.

Jisi

3 Comments

Albinism

Strength Beyond All Odds: Albinism and the New Normal

09:23

Hello my people.

So today I decided to come out of my cocoon. I wrote this piece in my capacity as Director of Communications and Strategy for Onome Akinnlolu Majaro Foundation. Read through and let me hear your thoughts.

It feels good to be back!

A. A'a a. L a'a. A..... A.. A. Aaaa is a whole lot of myths and misconceptions about albinism and PWAs such a; PWAs don’t eat salt, don’t get married, only see at night, that their blood and body parts can cure HIV and AIDS and also make you rich; this is why they are hunted like animals in East Africa. These are all untrue. PWAs live healthy lifestyles and make healthy choices too. Yes, due to the ultra violet rays from the sun which causes skin cancer, PWAs are advised to stay off the sun or ensure they have proper clothing which covers the exposed parts. They are encouraged to use umbrellas wear hats, sunglasses apply sunscreen so as to protect their skins. In obeying these directives, they continue to power, despite these visible limitations.

Albinism, in any of its forms, is the result of heritable mutations that lead to defective melanocytes, unable to properly synthesize melanin and to distribute it through dermal tissues. Simply put, albinism is the inability of the skin cells to produce enough melanin in the eye, skin and the hair, thereby making persons with albinism vulnerable to the harmful effect of the ultra-violet rays (UVR) from the sun. Nigeria has one of the highest prevalence rates in Africa with over 6 million persons living with Albinism, and it is estimated that hundreds of them face discrimination and stigmatization annually.

In his message for the 2016 celebration, UN Secretary General said, “Albinism is a genetic condition that affects people throughout the world, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. Yet, tragically, people with albinism continue to suffer widespread discrimination, stigma and social exclusion. Very many, including children and women, are extremely vulnerable, isolated and subject to abuse and violence. The endorsement of a Regional Action Plan on Albinism in Africa by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights as well as by the Pan African Parliament is a key step forward”.

Four months after the first IAAD, OAM Foundation was birthed and has become one of the leading NGOs in Albinism advocacy in Nigeria, leading social campaigns in the promotion and enjoyment of rights of persons with albinism. Almost six years into our operations, our efforts as an Albinism Awareness advocacy group has yielded tremendous efforts as we have been able to galvanize more PWAs to rise and shine, be proud of their colour and see beyond the complexion. Beyond all odds, we encourage PWAs to live meaningful and purposeful lives; developing themselves, acquiring skills and also contributing to the economic development of their communities.

Since 2015, the Foundation has expended millions of naira in helping thousands of PWAs both directly and indirectly to become the best version of themselves. From empowerment, education, awareness, confidence building, provision of sunscreen and medicated sunglasses to organizing several fora on issues concerning PWAs, we have invested in improving he lot of many and our records show. Since the pandemic started in 2020, our interventions has reduced since 100% of our funding comes from the founders. This has impeded the extent of our impact in the area of empowerment and scholarships, nut we have remained resolute in social campaigns. We are open to external donors and grants from those who share our vision.

As we celebrate the 2021 edition, the management and Board of the OAM Foundation is using this medium to thank the outgoing United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Rights of PWAs, Ms Ikponwonsa Ero, for her many contributions to the improvement of the lives of PWAs globally, while serving out her Mandate. Today, we celebrate an accomplished young person who was given a voice to PWAs to see beyond their complexion and indeed embrace their strength beyond all odds. Having served two terms as of 3 years each, IK as we fondly call is set to leave to pursue other endeavors. We wish her success in her future pursuits and look forward to working closely with the new UNIE.

In conclusion, it is intrusive to note, that the family has the greater role to play in ensuring that PWAs celebrate their strengths beyond all odds in the new normal since it is the first environment every PWA is exposed to. It is the duty of the family to provide a strong support system for the PWA – to build their self-esteem and embolden them to be confident enough to face the many challenges of life.

Parents must treat their PWAs as they treat their pigmented children. My parents always treated us as one and they helped us in our confidence building. Schools must put adequate measures that would ensure conducive learning for PWAs. Teachers should be patient with them and encourage them to learn using new methods that puts less stress on the eyes. The society must see PWAs first as humans above anything. This is why we preach beyond the complexion.

OAM is open to partnerships. We will like to see more collaborations. More sincerity by stakeholders in ensuring that the persons with albinism enjoy their fundamental human rights. We must always see PWAs beyond the color of their hair and skin. We must see the soul that lives within them. To do these would mean to embrace PWAs as humans that they are. When we limit the odds, then, more PWAs will discover their strengths, and truly shine.

Happy IAAD 2021!

Chimezie Udechukwu

Director, Communications and Strategy

OAM Foundation

2 Comments

Love Is Not War.

01:22

0 Comments

Issues

Of "Yes" and No" Dealing With Rejection.

01:17

Hello people.

Howdy!

I have missed you here.

Dealing with rejection can be tough. During the course of this week have had to talk to people about life and how it deals. Life will always give you either a "Yes" or "No", the earlier you understand it, the better for you as a person.

It is imperative we prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for whatever answer life gives us whenever we ask questions. Doing this enables us immediately adjust and to move on to the next step.

Let me share with you the golden words of Leslie George, a personal and organizational development expert. I find these words very useful and impactful in our dealing with rejection.

You applied for a job, and was invited for an interview. You attended and was convinced you did well. Later, you were informed you weren't successful, and they thanked you for attending. This has happened several times in a row.

You responded to an internal job opening at work. You fit the criteria. Someone else was given the job. You had applied 3 times to different openings, and all 3 times, you were rejected. It's starting to affect how you think of yourself.

Well, you interviewed for a job, as other candidates did. You believe you did well, as other candidates may also believe. The truth is the organization will select whomever they agree fits the role best. It means that someone else had something you didn't. It's not always a reflection of how incompetent you are, but a reflection of what the organization wants, and it wasn't you. Keep walking. No matter how well prepared you are for an interview, the organization will still choose whom they want, and chances are it may not be you.

As long as their processes are fair, and the interview was professional, and someone else didn't use "unfair advantage" to get the job instead of you, keep walking. Keep preparing, keep researching what job advertisers and recruiters may be on the lookout for. Don't lose steam. If it's a job you want, keep working at it.

We all won't be entrepreneurs, we all won't turn to farming. At some point in your life, you are a provider of goods or services, an employer of labour, or you are the labour. Whichever you are today, right now, push as hard as you can. Be informed, be competent, be smart, be hungry for results. Let it be that when you wake up tomorrow, you will be better prepared than you are today.

If you lose today, if you fail today, sit down and think of what to do so you don't lose or fail tomorrow. Make sure you are not standing outside the wrong door. Be that person who keeps moving, rejection after rejection, loss after loss, failure after failure. Tomorrow is another day. Get off your knees, get out of bed, lift yourself off the floor. It's in your hands. Life is like being in the middle of a raging battle; there's nowhere to run. You might as well fight!

I urge you to stay alive, strong and focused after every rejection. If you quit, then you just might lose the next great moment of your life.

Walk on!

OjisiEmezie

1 Comments

education

Meet 21 Year Old First Class Student From Babcock Who Runs a Thriving Catering Startup in Lagos, Nigeria.

02:56

4 Comments

education

Of Civic Engagement, Youth Peacebuilding and Multilateralism

05:49

Eleanor Klinogo is the African and European Representative at the Commonwealth Youth Council

We need young leaders who understand the power of sacrifice; that being in a leadership position isn't all about the fame and what it comes with but it is all about service. Eleanor Klinogo

There are contending views as to the proper age definition of who a youth is. Many would prefer the term, "Young Adults". Whether it is 18-25, 18-35 or 18-40 the most important thing is that it speaks to a group of people who are young, creative, innovative, dexterous, exuberant and in need of proper guidance for effective channeling of their unique resources and skills.

I have argued severally with people and I believe this is the ground norm, that the essence of education and knowledge acquisition, is the edification of the soul and the positive transformation of the society. Anything out of these is not education. To be ...found worthy in character and learning. Implies that the core of education is character building and transformational learning.

Youth Civic Engagement sprouts from a deeply understood sense of accountability, civic responsibility and patriotism. Young People must participate in the Political and Governance process, not from the parochial or observant angles, but as active participants in the entire process. In Africa, politics and governance is still controlled by very senior citizens. Where lies the promotion of Diversity and Inclusion?

We live in times when people learn for the wrong reasons; to intimidate, to destroy existing cultures and, to disintegrate families. Young people are being used as Child /Youth soldiers, political thugs and destructive elements. These are not the kind of global action we want. The youth must see himself as advocate of Peacebuilding. Embracing the Humanity First creed, deploying his learnings to the advancing peace and harmony.

If your Learnings can't inspire collective advancement of your people, if it can't bring progress to where you dwell, if you cannot add value to the life lived by your peers, then the goal of education is lost.

Multilateralism helps us to embrace diversity and inclusion. It propels the youth to engage constructively in Peacebuilding and harmonious coexistence. Achieving the sustainable development goals, SDGs in this decade of action is predicted on the willingness of the youth to embrace the skills, tools and resources of each individual and apply them to effectively engage the status quo. This is the Global Action that this day, the International Youth Day calls for.

To be Multilateral means to be all inclusive in the decision meaking and implemntation process. This takes into account the divergent attributes of the respective groups and including them in the consensus building.

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

For there to be effective engagement, the youth must know what to engage in, how to engage, when to engage, with whom to engage, and what to get out of that engagment. This is where the application and expression of knowledge gained is valuable.

I hold firm this belief that education is the bedrock of every form of socialization and civilization. Thus, be it informal, semi formal or formal, the major *gbim* must be focused on transforming positively, the lives of its beneficiaries.

Now if that is the case, then for us to effectively respond to the call for Youth Engagement for Global Action, we must understand the role that education plays in the this call. We cannot engage with knowing.

As someone once said Young people should not be afraid to engage, gain knowledge, learn and shut up for a moment. We must use our education for the purposes of edification, unification and development. This is the first step towards youth engagement as positions the youth for an effective response to the call for global action

Happy 20th International Youth Day!

OjisiEmezie