“A Refreshing Moment, an Awakening Call”
This summer we had a teachers’ and leaders’ workshop for the Northern Nigeria Community. It was led by Mrs. Chioma Okonkwo. Various other teachers handled some of the topics, which helped them grow in their RC teaching.
From the introductions I could see that people’s expectations were high, and I felt the zeal to learn more. After introductions, knowing the difficulties, challenges, stress, and discouragements we face every day in our country, we thought it wise to validate ourselves and remind ourselves of the benign reality.
Mrs. Chioma emphasized the one-point program of RC: helping each other re-emerge. Re-emergence requires constantly telling our stories—not minding how many times we do it, often repeating the same story over and over again. When she talked about how intelligence is the ability to solve problems, I could see myself as very intelligent, because I solve many problems every day.
The topics the other teachers covered included colonialism, women’s liberation, climate change, the RC no-socializing policy, and healing from war.
All the classes were participatory and interactive. The workshop was one of the best I have ever attended. It was a refreshing moment, an awakening call. A highlight for me was stepping up to teach. I found that a privilege and a challenge to do more.
Long live RC in the Northern Community!
Long live RC Nigeria!
Long live International RC!
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria