This quote reminded me of how I became more reformed and enlightened about taking charge of my personal growth and development.
It also brought me a memory of how hard it was for me to have at least two textbooks throughout each term in my secondary school days. It was terrible that I can't explain. But I still had to struggle with it and get the best I could.
Even after my undergraduate days, I knew within me that I am lagging behind as far as literacy is concerned. I know the words to use, I used them where necessary and almost appropriate. But yet, it seemed I kept my voice somewhere without allowing the beauty I possess appear to the world.
In 2018, I got a book titled, "Who moved my cheese?" from the Innovative Teacher, Kazeem Abolore S. This changed my paradigm about life. And I had to redesign so many things in my life. I had to accept the fact no one owes me anything to live the life.
That same year, while I still struggled to be a better version of me, I had to visit my friend, Hammed, to gain some inspiration and advice from him. After our discussion, I borrowed a book from his library, "Leadership" by Brian Tracy. After returning it, he gave me another one titled "You Can If You Think You Can" by Norman Vincent.
I also had to join an online platform, #ReLeaders Forum, championed by Faith Edobor. And the day I finally accepted to take a book review of Think Big by Dr. Ben Carson, I became more empowered.
Then I realized the power of literacy. Like I said in a recent article, that the issue of literacy is beyond the ability to read and write alone. But also the ability to comprehend, adapt, and utilize the available tools for relevant purposes.
Ever since then, I've made a promise that I will also be a value and an agent of change in other people's lives through improved literacy. I've given out a number of books to help others become better. And I still want to do more.
Here in this picture, at KLCI Skill2Rural Boot Camp, was my first time gifting a young chap with a book I first read from cover to cover and facilitated a review on. It means a lot to me.
In 2019, working with Worldreader and Library Aid Africa made my year more fulfilled.
And today, with the work I do with Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative as I advocate for Quality Education, I am still very much active helping children in low-income communities have access to resources that will change their lives for the better. And I'm always happy doing this. And with this, a number of young boys and girls have access to my library. They get books to read, and we come together for review to help reorganize their thoughts towards what has been read.
This mission is becoming more engaging, as I've joined a Global Platform, Theirworld, UK, to advocate for Quality Education.
And also another amazing platform, World Literacy Foundation, to advocate for literacy in the world.
I've taken this upon myself as a Leadership Journey which I will always be happy to living through.
According to UNESCO, 102 million of the illiterate population are between 15 and 24 years old.
And with literacy, every child can live out of poverty. Every child has the potential to be great in life. But they need you and I to be a channel of Inspiration and voice for this to happen.
I remember one of my favourite quotes as a classroom teacher between 2008 and 2011, "Illiteracy is a disease. It is better prevented in childhood than in adulthood"
Thanks to everyone who in one way or the other keep supporting me on this journey to keep being an Agent of Change.
I am
Ambassador Afeez Olalekan, SAKA
From Nigeria 🇳🇬
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