The Pitch (Presentation) - A memorable event.
On the 5th of October 2021...
Seeing the courage on their faces gave me more hope that the pitch would go well.
I had never doubted them for once because I believe they will do their best.
I mean "Their Best".
This happened to be their first virtual and national competition.
So, my colleagues and a few persons only saw this progressive effort yielding well.
Others did not take it seriously as they had thought it was just for the kids to attend an online program.
That morning, we were a bit disturbed as we couldn't get the strong network signal.
We tried all locations until we got a fair place.
We had to join the zoom call with about 3 phones and one laptop.
My friends have always been supportive from day. Thanks to Abosede. Her phone really helped that day.
Immediately after the event started, I became nervous.
I kept chanting those affirmative words to my champs.
"I can and I will"
"We are Changemakers"
"Awesome and Amazing"
"We will Win"
The energy was much until we got to realized that we would be the 9th presenter out of the TOP 10.
I noticed that their energies had reduced.
But still, I kept motivating them in every way I could
Just to keep them awake.
A number of schools had presented in their various categories.
We could imagine how prepared and how well they had presented.
In our minds, we began to keep a position for ourself.
We were wowed by some ideas we saw.
We were even celebrating those that presented well with love and excitement.
Let's welcome Idata/Ilagbo Changemakers for their presentation.
My heartbeat had increased.
And faster this time.
I couldn't show my fear cos I don't want them to see it.
We had set everything in order.
But unfortunately, we had technical issues.
My students had almost finished their presentation before we realized that the judges and audience couldn't hear us.
I was amazed listening to their vibrant voices and how confident they did that.
But what's wrong with this ZOOM of a thing.
We gats do this again guys. I love that spirit guys.
I screamed again, "Let's go guys".
They did it again and even better.
I kept celebrating them to show my love and gratitude for bringing such an energy into the room.
I said " Yes, we've done our best" all we need now is divine favour. I love you guys.
Funnily enough, they had to go for their mock exam that same day.
They left immediately after the pitch.
I remained on call to await the results.
What a terrific moment!
How will my students feel if they didn't make it to the TOP 3.
Thou, my hope was still there but not as high as it was earlier.
You know how that feels right.
Suddenly, someone came in and asked about what the children were doing.
I tried explaining thou with anxiousness.
But he gave an unwelcome gesture.
I felt uncomfortable.
I quickly adjusted and stopped explaining.
Few minutes later, they started the announcement.
They called the one school
And the next team is
Idata
Ilagbo
Changemakers- Community Tech LAB.
I screamed!
Yes we made it!
Yeswe made it!
My senior colleagues were like "What happened?".
I said, " We made it to the TOP 3" Alhamdulillah
Ah!
Your children are traveling to Abuja by Air in the next few days- on all expenses paid.
That reminds me of a leader and a mother, the principal of IICJHS, Mrs. Abdullahi. Thanks for all the good work you do ma.
She saw all we went through during the weekend.
She was so excited when she heard that we won.
She has been so supportive with prayers and advice all through.
I immediately informed my principal about the progress.
He was surprised and excited at the same time.
Many couldn't believe this.
They had never thought Children from IDATA/Ilagbo would have done that.
Some believed when theey saw a short video clip of their presentation.
After some minutes, the then General Secretary of the MWFAAN Ahmad Adetola-Kazeem called me to inform me about the flight arrangement.
I spoke with the then-president as well... Adepeju Jaiyeoba
They had to confirm with me if the district and their parents would allow the kids to travel.
All these were sorted.
Parents and guidance doubted if it was real.
To avoid missing our flight...
We left Ilagbo Village on the 6th of October to lodge in my colleagues apartment at Bariga.
That's a bit closer to the airport.
And that was how my students had their first flight experience.
I love the feelings and the excitement the beautiful smiles on their faces.
You don't want to listen to the experience at the airport thou.
Not only that....
They spent enjoyed beautiful nights with sumptuous meals.
They also came home with an Award as the 2nd Runner Up (Two-hundred and thousand naira)
I was also awarded the best teacher with a cash prize of One-hundred thousand naira.
This seed grant is to kickstart the "Community Tech LAB" project.
They will be doing this to create opportunities for themselves and others students to learn digital/ tech skills.
We appreciate those who have shown up to be facilitators for the CTL Fellowship.
It's been a interesting journey with the students of Idata/Ilagbo Community Senior High School.
Shout out to Temilola Adeniyi, Adewumi Abosede Bukunmi, Pastor Ayodeji, and my ever-supportive coach, Gideon Ogunfeyimi. Much love to you all
Shout out to my champions...We need more hands to help these kids get enough laptops and other items for the project.
Thanks for reading this story.
With you, it can always get better.
©Afeez Olalekan SAKA|2021 #SakaSpeaks #TFNImpactstories #TeachforNigeria #LACEDAfrica #KLCI #MWFAAN
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