WEEK ONE!| TEACHING EXPERIENCE

BEFOLD, WEEK ONE IN CLASS!

1. First day in class. I told them my story and as well asked them to write their story on a sheet of paper. I’ve read all of them. And asked them to write what they want to be remembered for. 200 students on the line, I’ve been told.

2. The last Computer Teacher traveled for her Traditional Wedding in October 2019; she hasn’t returned. It seems her wedding is a 3 months experiment. In other words, there were no computer classes in last term.

3. I have the chance to make 200 pupils love computers or hate it. Computer classes are always boring, I know. I have always loved computers, but I have hated all the computer classes. In fact, I don’t remember any single computer teacher I’ve had while in High School. I have the chance to make that difference. By God, all of them will love computers.

4. If when I’m done, 150 pupils love computers, love to read, love to grow and love God, I’m accomplished. Dear God, just 150. If I’m asking for too small, make it 200 or even more.

5. One of my first acts was writing my phone number and Facebook address on the board, I wanted to let them know I want to connect with them. I want to be their friend. I want a dialogue, not a monologue. I want a relationship. I’ve connected with some on Facebook, had a good chat with some after class and one made the phone call. See, we are starting the conversation!

6. So far, there are always loud laughs in between the teachings. Computer terms are explained using examples such as food, kitchen, marriage, etc. I don’t even know where these examples come from, but the goal is comprehension, right?

7. Yes, I will always go to class with this laptop. This isn’t the best, and one laptop cannot serve a single class but its enough to make the impression that the world is moving. I’ve already considered how to bring the full-scale necessities to the school, it looks like a hard fight already. The school isn’t connected to a power grid. Of course, no computer lab. (Perhaps, Jenta Reads Community Library?)

8. I love good stories, so I tell a lot of them. Every class has three stories. Everyone loves a good story, including you.

9. Yes, we have already begun the conversation about Jenta Reads Community Library. Many are pressing to visit and some have visited. It is sure going to be exciting. I’m hopeful that they will find their destinies in those bookshelves. We are already coming up with programs that can be executed at the library, like film shows and chess games.

10. I’ve spent most of the time thinking about how to make learning fun for these amazing students. They are always on my mind. And you see, there’s another hideous reason why I’m in this school- it’s because its home! Yes, I know what it truly means to try to live here. But where we are born is not the determinant of our destiny. I want them to see something else, to see meaning, to see hope and to begin to dream. I want them to want to grow, to want to be different and to want to rise above the status quo that has been established.

Being alive is already a miracle, the question is what I do with the miracle. I will be using it here for the time being. This isn’t work, it’s fun.

P.S: I'm currently volunteering in a government school in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. This blog series covers my experience through it. Most Nigerians don't need an explanation as to what the state of public education in Nigeria currently is, it's a total tragedy. I volunteered my time believing that I can make a difference in the students' live. I may not live long enough to see the birth of a new Nigeria, but I know it begins with the right education - I hope I can do my part in this regard.

YOU CAN READ THE SECOND ARTICLE HERE.