2_02_2022
This Morning, I was discussing with my colleague on how beautiful it will be to achieve something great today, or have a memorable event especially at 12:20, 2:20 or 2:22. How awesome it will also be to give birth to a set of twins on a day like this at the aforementioned time! Everything in twos! someone out there might be fortunate!😁
Nothing spectacular happened today but it did few years ago!!!
It was on the 2nd of February, 2018. I had my National Youth Service (mandatory graduate program in Nigeria) in the Northern Part of the country. I was posted to Zuru town located in Kebbi State. I sometimes wondered if I was still in Nigeria because everything differs from where I came from. The language(s),taste of music (including movies too), dressing, weather, belief, foods i.e their ways of life were totally strange.The animals were not exempted, they seemed taller and giant than ours,in referral to the domestic animals like dogs. (You can't even see a baby camel in South West🥺)
Well, I had the chance to relocate but I decided not to because I was curious to know more about others and to one day proudly share my experiences with my children and grandchildren if I had the chance. That awesome day, I woke up and wore my sweaters because it was very cold. unknowing to me, A birthday surprise was waiting for me! If I'd known, I would have worn a befitting "baiday gown."😇
In sincerity, it wasn't easy to teach in the classroom because it was far from being conducive but I still managed to.
Weeks earlier, my pupils asked me uncountable times (till it was annoying) about my birthday. I told them it has passed and the next time will be at home.( I would be done with the service) I regretted not telling them that day, maybe that would save me from the questions! I entered the class that day and was teaching as usual but I noticed the atmosphere was different. lots of chuckles and mischievous smiles. well, I ignored.
it was break time and they started singing "Happy Birthday."
"Haa, Birthday?"
"For who?"
I got tired of the topic and reminded them again that my birthday has passed but the response I got was "Aunty, we are doing it today."
It was division of labour:
one brought out saucer and mug.
Another cornflakes
Also balloon
Then one of them majestically came forward to present the cash they contributed from their lunch money.
I tried to return the cash but they still bought biscuits. I gave up, couldn't control them! They were happy to 'celebrate' with and for me!
We took the cereals together and I returned the money but it was one of the most memorable day of my life. The joy on their faces alone sweetened the cereal.
Attached is the screenshot of the Facebook post that day.
2-2-2022 might not be memorable but 2-2-2018 will take a while for me to forget.
These pupils didn't give up, they asked, planned and astonished me. I can never imagine they could value someone else's 'birthday' as such. I didn't even announce to them on my real day because it was on weekend. I was celebrated by few friends who ate and dined with meats and wine on D-DAY but these little ones generosity melted my hearts!
N:B- Ignore nothing except the handwriting on the blackboard! Hail Teachers! Most especially those with limited resources! I taught computer with no computer. I sometimes used my phone to illustrate!
