WEEK TWO| TEACHING EXPERIENCE

1.     All is going well so far. I’m still very motivated. But damn, waking up before 7AM has never been my skill. Please, is there any secret to this? I’m finding it hard to adapt.

2.       Countless stories in class. Super fun. How many stories have I told so far? I don’t even know; I just hope that I don’t repeat some. Barrack Obama’s story was one of the stories shared. I began from the Kenyan roots of his father, his journey to America, misdemeanors, his return to Kenya, Obama’s birth, his ascendency to the Presidency. All through I didn’t say who our hero was when I mentioned that it Barrack Obama, they could not believe it! It was awe, enchantment, and maybe disbelief.

3.       I’ve had to dust two pupils' faces. Discipline is necessary.

4.       I feel totally useless some of the time. Like, I have two classes only in a week. 80 minutes each but the school wants me in school every day. What do teachers do in school when they have nothing? Just gisting or writing lesson notes only?

5.       Today particularly was a feminism class. I’ve been a “feminist” for some time now. Dude, I live in a house with 6 females, how can I not be? But more seriously, it was a talk to the girl child. There’s no difference in worth between a girl child and a male child. Each of them can be great. Each of them have the same intrinsic worth and nothing should stop them from thriving. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, Pauline Tallen, etc were all ready examples. We need to reteach and reteach; this patriarchal society is not a game-changer. No one is winning in this one.

6.       Yes, I’m super excited that we are starting practical computer classes at the library tomorrow. 10 AM- 11AM, and 2PM and 3PM. It’s an entirely free class. You can volunteer to teach in these classes. That will a game-changer. At least, we will be expecting students between 50-100. I’m assuming the remaining will not be opportune to make it.

7.       We shared some books in the class (on a borrowing basis) from the library. Just 10 books. But isn’t 10 books better than none? And boy, beware of what 10 books can do. A single book can change a life. To say the more of 10. Could more of them have more access to books…. Who knows?

And yes, Professor Eb’s books were part of it.

8.       The main teaching. I taught them about RAM and ROM. One of the funniest classes of all. I would play a video, very funny videos and explain the entire process. Laughter is followed by comprehension. After explaining a few times, one student indicated that she didn’t understand, the whole class burst into laughter. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand, it was the videos she wanted to watch. That’s how most of the other classes go, illustrations, relating to real things.

9.       For me, the goal is not really all these basic explanations of computers, of course, this is the foundation but the target is to raise enlightened students. And at least produce some “many” techs enthusiasts. Even if none of them becomes a programmer, I’d be satisfied to see them succeed in whatever they chose. I just hope that I inspire them into living their potential to the fullest.

1.   Sometimes in the week, I saw a quote that says “In a society where bright minds don’t want to be teachers, their children will be taught by idiots”. I’ve added that to another reason why I am here. Every day as I look at these students, I am reminded of my many friends here in Jenta whom we started out in life together. Not that I think (I know that life is just starting for all of us) I’ve achieved anything but I can see our trains in life headed in different directions and I’m reminded of the impact of several teachers on my life. I hope I can make a difference in the lives of these ones. I hope that they can be different. I hope that they turn out better than us. I hope that they love learning.

And we had some time to take a Selfie. It's important!

1.   I’ve heard some people say these students are “very stubborn”. I totally disagree. Of course, it is normal that children should have a high affinity for mischief. And they are showing that but I’m seeing a different response from the interactions in the past week. For instance, in the case of students not sticking in their trousers, I casually ask if they are marlians. They go ahead to stick in, and we laugh about it. Sometimes, words mean more than the whip.

1.   Something millennial. While I was in class, one of my students was sending me a message on Facebook. Hahahaha.

1.   And because I know some of you students will read this, know that I think of you even on days when we are not in class. It is my pleasure to be at this crossroads in your life. All I want is to walk with you as you find your footings in life. I’ve not figured out it all yet, but I am not walking alone and I don’t want you to walk alone too. Until I see you tomorrow, and every other day until we reach the top!

Originally Written on Friday, 24^th January, 2020.

On Saturday 25^th January 2020 we had practical classes at the library. The revolution has commenced.

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 FIRST ARTICLE  HERE.