We had a friend several years ago who liked to recite the quote – “It takes a village to raise a child.” – each time, she invited us to their home during the festive season. Back then, my husband, a teacher and others in his profession worked with her child. That party was her family’s way of appreciating the impact everyone brought into their lives as she affirmed their son’s progress through the help of a dedicated support system.
The other day, I stumbled on a similar quote on Pinterest. Someone had turned it into a funny quote which read:
“You know it says it takes a village to raise a child, just wondering if someone can give me directions to the village so I can drop off my kids…”
Funny and true, which leads me to the post’s crux. Our organisation has been a “village” that started an initiative that ‘raises several children of a school called Ododuma Secondary Commercial School.’ One of us came up with the brilliant idea of starting an after-school program that would offer children different practical skills to function in today’s world. And we all bought into it.
In September 2023, we started the program with twenty-five learners, with the organisers teaching the students shoemaking shoes.
As Ms E, one organiser of the program said, “The After-school program has increased the confidence levels of the students.”
According to her, the program has increased their creative abilities and skills. The students have learned to mend old ones, helping them save on the cost of taking the shoes to a shoe repairer. At present, these learners are learning to create two shoes. One of them and the other pair they’d sell. They are learning what it takes to be diligent in labour.
So yes, it takes a village of like-minded people with a clear vision for growth and prosperity to raise children who’d take the torch of hard work and entrepreneurial skills to others. These skills would positively affect the mindset and well-being of Ododuma school students, their families, and the community. And would create jobs to empower the rural community.