Through Jonathan's Eyes

One of the fun things about Jonathan being here with me is that I get to see Nigeria with fresh eyes.  After living here so long, things that are "normal" for me are picked up by him.  Here are a few interesting sights from the last couple months.

As we boarded a flight to Lagos, we saw this logo for another airline on another plane.
Would YOU want to fly such an airplane??

A Christmas witch hat?

"That's not safe"
This is one of Jonathan's phrases as we pass some seriously overloaded trucks..

The Dutch call it "olliebollen'"
Nigerians call it "puff puff".

Walking with Mrs. Adun Akinyemiju.

 What is your name?
ADUN AKINYEMIJU (MRS.)

What is your position/work? What do you do?

I am the Proprietor of Dansol Nursery, Primary & High Schools in Lagos State, and also the Director of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) West Africa Anglophone, with our office in Lagos, Nigeria.

What is your relationship to Sheila?
I met with Sheila when she started to volunteer for ACSI in the Northern region of Nigeria. She has facilitated several ACSI trainings in various parts of Nigeria, and she works with the ACSI office in building a framework for Christian Education in West Africa. She is always willing to help us with our conferences, and she also organizes seminars to help our readers understand Biblical Integration.


Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
I am passionate about Christian Education because I believe it is the key to fulfilling the Great Commission given to mankind to raise disciples of nations. Discipleship, I believe, should begin with children in our schools as they are the ones who will go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. They will take over as salt and light to replace the corrupt Politicians and government officials who are currently in power.




What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why?
It is the lack of political will to treat education as an essential ingredient for transforming the nation. Currently, the quality of teachers nationwide is poor; the curriculum is weak, and facilities are in shambles. This is as a result of corruption in the system.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria?
My desire is for us to have school buildings with facilities for reading, well-trained and motivated teaching well-trained and motivated teachers who will work with a curriculum that will produce nation-builders and leaders.

What will it take to bring about transformation?
Money voted for education should actually be spent on education and not siphoned to private pockets. Christian schools, through churches and individuals, work together in unity to raise a new generation that will be tall and higher in all facets of the nation.
What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation?
As the sub-regional Director of an Association that is seeking to become a strong voice in Christian Education, I am in a position to liaise with relevant stakeholders in Education to join hands with ACSI in restoring the lost glory of Education in Nigeria, and influencing the much needed change. Every child that graduates from our schools should an Ambassador of God and shine as light in homes, politics, media, education and other endeavours.

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila?
I have learnt that simplicity and humility are key to passing the message of Christian Education across to people. I have also gained from her the spirit of cooperation and breaking barriers in fulfilling one’s vision.

How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry?
Please pray that stakeholders in education understand the essence of Christian Education. This includes church leaders and Christian individuals who are running “Christian Schools” without the key element of Christian education.

Walking with Daniel.

 What is your name?
---Daniel Alatise

What is your position/work? What do you do?
------I am a teacher with Meadow Hall School Lagos. I teach ICT* to junior school and college students**.

 What is your relationship to Sheila?
----- Vast. Started as trainer/trainee, then mentor/mentee, then friends, now brother/sister. Basically she is my friendly mentor.

 Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
----Praising God and acknowledging Him in all we do is an integral part of life and Christian Education teaches how to see life from the bible's view.

 What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why?
-----Death of quality education, Lack of motivated teachers/ students.
Lack of quality education largely due to outdated curricula, teaching methods and facilities.
Lack of motivated teachers owing to inadequate pay. Lack of motivated students because they don't see education as the way forward.

 What is your dream for education in Nigeria?
---- Wholesome ICT complaint education with ambient environment, optimum number of students in a classroom with qualified and motivated teachers. Also prospects and enthusiasm in students.

 What will it take to bring about transformation?
---- A lot, change in the mindset, change in funding, prospects for graduates to increase morale of undergraduates.

 What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation?
---- I have always and will always continue to give nothing short the best and world class education to my students. I do a lot of research to find out the best and current ICT trends. I also try train and help colleagues to improve their teaching skills. Lastly, I pray and motivate my students.

Daniel's classroom display

 What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila?
---- Sheila is an amazing person. She exudes a lot even without her knowing. Aside learning more about Christian Education, she taught me about displays, ICT in teaching & learning and classroom management.

How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry?
---- I pray for the grace to understand my students more each day and also that they understand me. Especially my college students, sometimes they don't put in as much effort as they should and make a lot of noise. It saddens me sometimes as I try my best to give the best and it’s like I'm not doing much. So I will really appreciate help in this area of being able to motivate my students to give their best at all times.

*ICT is Information and Communication Technology
** Meadow Hall school is based on the British system – junior school is the equivalent of North American elementary school and college is equivalent to high school.

To learn more about Daniel, you can read a previous blog I posted a few years ago, simply titled “Daniel”.  Since that time though, it has been exciting to have him lead others in the area of ICT training, and being a good teacher generally! :)

Walking with Mrs. Bankole

My name is Olusola Bankole (Mrs.) I am an educator and run a Christian school as the Director.  I am passionate about Christian education because that is the heart beat of God. It also helps to enhance what Christian homes are doing with their children especially in this perverse generation when right is taken for wrong and bad is replacing good in the perspective of the 'secular' world.  The biggest challenge I see is uninformed parents who get carried away by the 'bling, bling' around and forgets that they will give account of God's Heritage in their care. They usually discountenance quality for popularity.

Leading a regional prayer altar meeting

My dream for education in Nigeria is to see education leaders and those at the helm of affairs who truly understand that education system of a nation is the full description of all other systems.  To bring about transformation, we need more effective Christian schools to take over the land and education authorities that are ready to give it their best shot without just paying lip service or window-dressing things. They should also be willing to acknowledge the overall impact of quality education in Nigeria. I am working in the grace of God to provide the best of Christian (quality) education for all the children in my school. I also gladly offer to help out in other schools.

Sheila has been a source of great support to my work especially in the area of setting things right as a Christian School. She has also been a faithful friend who always wants to see Christian education and the Christian Teacher adequately equipped to do outstanding job.  I learnt organization and adequate preparation from Sheila. She is always planning ahead and putting all the little things in place before any event to avoid rush.

Pray that the Lord keep making His help available and providing resources for me to carry out the Kingdom Mandate.

At Mrs. Bankole's school

With principal at school

Walking with Flensted.

What is your name?
#Flensted Omiunu


What is your position/work? What do you do?
#Am working as a General Manager in a construction company and am an Architect.

What is your relationship to Sheila?
#She is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
#I love imparting knowledge, it's my gift.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why?
#Government needs to invest in the sector, teachers need to improve themselves and parents need to get involved in their wards' education.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria?
#Good education, affordable and available to all.

What will it take to bring about transformation?
#A leader; president or minister who has a passion for education.

What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation?
#Becoming a teacher.

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila?
#If we could replace the word "passion" the word would be "Sheila". Her desire is to educate children.

How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry?
#That I am able to achieve my dreams

This week's "Walking With.." feature is a dear friend of mine. I have known Flensted almost as long as I have lived in Nigeria - that's about 14 years!  We have spoken on and off about his potential and passion for teaching.  While he isn't presently teaching in a school in an official capacity, his story is one I hear regularly as I interact with people in Nigeria.  Here is a man interested in teaching - and would make an excellent teacher.  But he is also very aware that a teacher does not have a very high salary which makes it very challenging to support a family on.  And so for now, he does other work and teaching and learning about teaching on the side.  He has been involved in teaching Sunday school, discipleship classes, etc..  It is my prayer that one day he gets his teaching degree and enters the classroom!  There are many professionals who are serving as bankers, lawyers, architects, etc.. in order to provide for their families - but their passion is to teach.  Please join me in praying for Flensted and others like him!

Walking with Mrs. Belolisa.

My name is Ngozi Joy Belolisa.  I am a trained Guidance Counsellor and NILD Level I Therapist, also work with children who learn differently.

Why are you passionate about Christian Education?  It has led me to see the importance of intentional and deliberate planning and choosing of teaching materials. Christian Education has taught me to go the extra mile, to see my students as God image bearers.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? There are many challenges!  Some include the constant change of schemes (what needs to be taught) and pedagogy (how it is taught) policies. There is a neglect of the political history of the nation as well as the high cost of ‘standard’ private schools.

My dream is to see a nation where children from the poor, the average and rich backgrounds attend school in an environment that is conducive, where equal opportunity is given to those who really want to study (not based on Geo-political zones) and where technical and entrepreneur skills are encouraged.  Transformation can only come when the people are transformed by the Word of Truth. When we all become light and salt in our little corners.

Sheila is a friend (even though we only meet during ACSI Steering committee and Prayer Altar meetings)  Her commitment, passion and zeal for the work of the Master in a foreign land.

I see my role in transformation being to be right and do right even when nobody is watching me. Please join me in praying that I will be steadfast in the area of my calling and always look unto God for blessings.

Mrs. Belolisa is the 4th person on the left.

Walking with Mrs. Mary Omesiete.

 What is your name? Mrs. Mary Joy OMESIETE.

What is your position/work? What do you do? I am the Director of a Christian School.

What is your relationship to Sheila?  She is a friend and supports all the Christian schools that are registered members of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).

Why are you passionate about Christian Education? It is about discipling, mentoring and raising godly seeds who will fulfill God's mandate.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why? Training. You cannot give what you do not have.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria? A sector that is well funded.

What will it take to bring about transformation? Training and quality control.

What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation? Mentoring and Training

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila? She is a servant leader.

How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry? Commitment and excellence in the things of God.

Walking with Spencer.

What is your name? Spencer Okoroafor

What is your position/work? What do you do? School administrator at Heritage Academy, Abuja.

What is your relationship to Sheila? My trainer and motivator.

Why are you passionate about Christian Education? It is actually going back to the beginning of education.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why? Teaching to pass examinations as opposed to teaching the total child. Partly inability to outgrow colonial educational heritage, plus the prevailing humanistic tendencies in ‘secular’ education.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria? That schools will go back to their pristine role of identifying a child’s God-given talent and nurturing such talents to fruition for use, with responsibility to God and society.

What will it take to bring about transformation? Raising a crop of educational leaders who understand the issues at stake and willing to change the status quo.

What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation? Making myself available to be part of this vanguard, by being trained and in turn training others.

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila? That this work has to be done, no matter the discomfort it entails.


How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry? That nothing will distract me and cause me to slack.

Initial training with Christian Reformed World Missions

I have had the privilege of working with Spencer since I started this position in 2008.  He tells me that even though he was teaching in a Christian school, he had no idea what Christian education could be until attending a series of trainings led by our organization, Christian Reformed World Missions.  He was humbled and challenged and has been a champion of Christian education since that time.  He is reliable, committed, and passionate. We have led a number of trainings and planned for conferences together. He was my “boss” as I taught in his school for a few weeks as well!

At Spencer's school

Walking with Segun.

What is your name?   My name is Mr. Oludipe Olusegun.

What is your position/work? What do you do?   I am the National Administrator* for ACSI West Africa Anglophone.  (ACSI is the Association of Christian Schools International) www.acsinigeria.org

What is your relationship to Sheila?  She is a partner with ACSI Nigeria, in training, conferencing and planning for programmes.

Why are you passionate about Christian Education?  This is the only way to rescue Nigeria from this decadence and raise a Godly generation for God.

What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria? Why? It is the misappropriation of funds meant for Education and the level of exam malpractice**.

What is your dream for education in Nigeria? My dream is that education be used as a tool for transformation and a means of raising a Godly seed.

What will it take to bring about transformation? It will take prayers and the consciousness of Christians to participate in politics.

What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation? We pray and train. We also equip teachers to both teach and train effectively.

What have you learned while interacting and “walking with” Sheila? She is so passionate about the kingdom assignment, willing to do any assignment given to her and not money conscious.

How can I pray specifically for you in your work/ministry? Pray for strength and financial provisions for the association.

Segun is a lively gentleman who works in the ACSI office in Lagos, Nigeria.  He is supportive and enjoys a good laugh.  *Much of his work is administrative, but he also speaks in various places on behalf of ACSI – raising awareness of what Christian Education is and can be.  His job includes going around and sensitizing schools, coordinating programs and meetings for ACSI across Nigeria, networking schools together, and generally establishing ACSI as an organization in West Africa.  The scope of his work is broad and challenging.  There are thousands of Christian schools – many who are Christian in name and would benefit greatly from learning and growing with ACSI. How can we reach out to all these schools and bring them together? **Segun also mentioned two big challenges to the education system, both of which are rooted in corruption.  They are widespread problems that we ask you join us to pray about.  SD.

"Walking with..." Series

There are many amazing people I get to work with while in West Africa.  They are passionate about education and committed to working out God’s calling in their lives.  The next few blog posts will feature some of them and give you an opportunity to “meet” them as well as pray for them.  I sent each person some questions (see below) to which they responded. 


What is your name?
What is your position/work? What do you do?
What is your relationship to Sheila?
Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
What is the biggest challenge you see in the education system in Nigeria?  Why?
What is your dream for education in Nigeria?
What will it take to bring about transformation?
What do you see as YOUR role in bringing about that transformation?
What have your learned while interacting and "walking with" Sheila?
How can we pray specifically for your in your work/ministry?

I hope you enjoy getting to know them and also take time to pray for them!

Balance

I have a hard time maintaining balance in my life.  Work can easily take over, and time for me is moved to the back burner.  One of my goals this year has been to be more intentional about maintaining a better balance.  I decided to map out some of my goals this year and put them on my wall – a balancing act between work and life.  That way, as I approach my tasks each day – I can reflect on how well they fit into the goals I have set for myself and where my priorities should be.  It also reminds me of the things I haven’t yet tackled.  Let me share some things I would like to put on the “front burner” this coming year:

I am looking forward to tackling some books – I have a list of ones I hope to get through this year… “professional development” books include Drama of Scripture by Goheen and Bartholomew, Advancing Differentiation by Richard Cash, and Beyond Control by Al Bandstra.  I have also been going through some of the CBC Canada Reads selections for this year.  I love being able to connect with Canadian thought and culture.  Story and its importance are something I talk about in my work, but also something I love to delve into for pleasure as well. 

Self – care is also part of my plan!  I have added exercise to my life – working towards jogging 5km!  I have succeeded in making it to 3.  I have found that exercise give me more energy, even though it takes a lot of work to get out there in the morning.  I enjoy setting goals and gradually working towards them.  I miss playing volleyball though, and hope I will be able to find a group to play with here in Abuja.

Jabi Lake - a beautiful park to jog in the morning

I enjoy learning.  I wonder if I should learn a new skill this year too…Indian dance?  Cooking class?  Photography?  Let’s see what the year holds. 

Some things have suffered.  I usually spend a lot of time “getting organized” and writing “to-do” lists.  Which I am still doing – but have tried to lower that as a priority.  As a result my side desk is a disaster!  It makes it hard to work some days.  So as I type this I have turned my back to the piles in order to concentrate J

Will you join me in praying for balance in my life?

#GTTP2015

In February I was able to participate in a program that is becoming one of my favourite parts of my job: walking with teachers in the Graduate Teacher Training Program (#GTTP2015)! 

GTTP Class of 2015

Finding a job is hard work in Nigeria.  So much depends on who you know rather than what you know.

Finding good employees is equally hard work.  Applicants often do not have the skills employers are looking for.

Meadow Hall is a school in Lekki, an area within  Lagos, that is seeking to bridge this gap.  In 2013, they started a program for teachers who are young graduates.  These applicants either have teaching degrees or are passionate about education and planning to get their post-graduate diplomas in education. They participate in a 3 month program that seeks to upgrade their skills to make them more “marketable” to other schools and seeks to bridge the gap between what is being offered in teacher education programs and what schools are looking for.  This training program covers topics like school culture, writing lesson notes, communication skills, classroom management and 21^st century learning practices.  Speakers are recruited from nearby universities, education consultants, and staff within the school.

Since this project began, I have had the privilege to lead trainings each year. Two years ago I met Daniel, a graduate trainee and colleague (put blog link) through this program.  Last year I was in Canada, I wasn’t able to participate at the program in person – but I was able to present a lecture over skype.  This year, I was encouraged and challenged in my vocation as an education consultant for West Africa.  Let me share with you how.

Over three days, we covered a variety of topics germane to education challenges in Nigeria; classroom management and discipline, 21^st century learning, and classroom instruction and delivery. Our days were packed with icebreakers and starters, with active learning strategies and action plans.  The group was engaged.  They were open to new ideas and reflecting on how they can put these practices to use in a traditional Nigerian classroom setting.  They had many questions.  From small group discussion to dramas and tweets, I loved every minute of it.  These teachers were learning and growing.

One thing that is refreshing about these young graduates is their openness to trying new things, something that is more difficult for experienced teachers to branch into.  And it has been fantastic to see the results.

Chika – graduate of the program two years ago – called me last week to say, “Miss Sheila, I have been using the active learning strategies you taught us in my classroom.  The administration wants to know where I learned them so all the teachers can benefit.  Will you come to our school?”

Daniel – graduate of the program two years ago – was hired on by Meadow Hall.  He had expressed concern then about teaching younger students.  “Miss Sheila, how will I engage them?”  He came beaming last month to report how much he loves his job – and that the young students are now his favourite!  He is also preparing to lead a training program outside of Meadow Hall for the first time!

I am dreaming about how this program can be adopted by other schools to bridge the gaps in Christian Education in West Africa. I have been talking about it with every school I can think of that might have the capacity to do so.  What a great way to transform teachers…and a nation!  This vision is both challenging and encouraging for me. Please join me in praying for Meadow Hall and other schools that would take on such a program.

Please join me in praying for young graduate teachers – for meaningful jobs and the zeal and ability to bring about change in lives of students across this nation.