Special Correspondent, GRACIOUS AKANDE, a student at Pentecost University College, Ghana, was billed for a community stint at a Red Cross children’s home in Lagos for three weeks when she was in secondary school.
She went in thinking, ‘here we go again for another run of the mill gig’. But she came off with nostalgia about the children: their smiles, their cries, their chatter.
July 25, 2012 finally arrived. We did not know what the coming three weeks held for us but we were willing to find out.
I got to the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) children’s home, Yaba, Lagos for my service programme with six other girls. What our school, Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu-Lagos, called “compulsory but voluntary humanitarian service”, rendered to the community by Senior Secondary School II pupils.
Quick off the block
The matron was on holiday, so we were told by Gloria, the lady who welcomed and introduced us to the staff.
The age of the children ranged from three months to nine years. Immediately, we started working. We cleaned the nursery and prepared the children for bed.
The next day, we woke up early to dress up for work, after which we cleaned the nursery and did the laundry. Today was filled with activities: assisting the cooks, and teaching the kids, playing with them.
Evening came, we dressed them up for bed. We cleaned the dining room and the nursery.
We went to see E. D. Umoh, our Programme Officer, who introduced us to the Branch Secretary, Ijeoma Nweke. She welcomed us officially and briefed us on the history and aims of the NRCS.
Plenty food, clothing: but poor education
The children were very friendly from the outset. At first, we were not free with the staff, but as time went on, this changed. They received visitors daily who brought food items.
The children never felt neglected because kind hearted Nigerians showed them love and care. They did not lack physical and material things. But I was baffled that they had poor education. I tried to teach them, in my own little way.
One never missed Priscilla’s chatter. The laughter and wailings of Ayobami, Tessy, Basil, Ada, and Tonia one had to absorb as there was no escape.
Like brothers, like sisters, yet not related
You could not avoid at least one cuddle or grasp from Gift everyday as long as you came close to her. Rosemary was the quiet one you hardly noticed. Ramon always greeted you with a smile when you called his name.
Adebayo’s nose was never dry, and was always seeking attention. Grace, another quiet one, had an angelic smile when you touched her cheeks. She was adopted before we left. We missed her, even though we were happy that she was moved to a proper home.
Tawa, Alero, and Isabel were like sisters, but they were mischievous, always having something up their sleeves. Omoh and Odion were so different despite the fact that they are twins. Omoh was outgoing, Odion was soft spoken and quiet.
Segun and Chuks were like two peas in a pod; so alike, yet not related. Bolu was the dancer, who pronounced “read” as “rind”. I corrected him several times.
Charlie and Leo were like brothers, although they are not. Charlie is older.
Miracle bore the brunt of Iya Lanre’s taunts. Nkem and Elijah were the cute boys, Gabriel was the cool one. Monday, the eldest, directed all of them. He was mature.
At last, Gift walks
The day before we left, the matron returned from holiday and the children were so happy.
What crowned it all was that Gift could now take baby steps unaided. When we came, she could only crawl but when we were going, she walked and everyone was delighted.
Everyone had been worried, because Gift, aged four, should have walked three years earlier. I even thought she had a medical disorder.
Three take-aways
When it was time to say good bye, I had three lessons to take home.
First, is to always be thankful to God that I have a family and to never take my family for granted because they are all I have got. Some have none to call their own.
Second, to try in my own little way to help those in need.
Finally, I should find the good in whatever situation I find myself. There are others experiencing worse.