As part of efforts to promote a reading culture and literacy in Nigerian schools, a non -governmental organization 3Rs has embarked on a one-day workshop.
Convener 3Rs Advocates, Mrs lsoken Onoyona-Ekeocha made the call while addressing 100 students of Ruby Gold British Schools in Lekki Lagos. She spoke on personal Identity and self affirmation.
Onoyona-Ekeocha urged government to pay more attention to empowering the young people. She observed that ” there are a lot of jobless youth on the streets while others engage in crime and nefarious acts.” According to her, “There is need to assist youth to channel their energies to positive and progressive activities”.
She also handled the questions of Who am I? Helping them to discover and focus on their purposes. By using the Self driving mantra, Self affirmation and goal getting skills to achieve it.
According to her ,”In our workshop sessions, we engage young people and tap into their talents, personalities and life purposes for positive values, healthy habits and encourage them to maintain good relationships.”
The convener also advised parents to spend quality time with their children, while making money.Adding that, there is need for parents to guide their wards on self-discovery and focus on humanitarian coursework.
A youth coach and a farmer, Mrs Tochi Charity Abiodun taught the students on how to boost Body Image and Self Esteem. She urged them to feel.good about themselves regardless of sizes, height or complexion, and never bully or bodyshame others. Mrs Abiodun acknowledged that we are all wonderfully made by God and should love ourselves, others and maintain good relationship with them.
Engineer Dotun Tokun ,an entrepreneur and Director Solarmate Engineering, encouraged the students on how to understand themselves,handle personal and society challenges .According to him,” Most professionals and people are leaving the country for greener pastures or travelled abroad for studies which have resulted to brain drain and development those countries,while Nigeria remain developing.
He advised them to look inward, solve problems around their environment, schools and in the country. Tokun charged them to be responsible good citizens and to promote national development.
Speaking to the Head Teacher Ruby Gold British Schools, Mrs Rita Wogu lauded the foundation for its largesse and for empowering the students, adding that, while some parents and caregivers are so engrossed with family businesses, jobs and other responsibilities, such NGO is here impacting positively on students. Wogu while receiving the books donations appreciated them for promoting reading culture and enriching the school library.
An elated male Senior School student Bolaji Oretan , a recipient of a free book titled” Dragonlight” by Donitak Paul and a female Senior School student ,Okike Mmesomachi, another recipient of free book titled” True Courage” by Dee Henderson, said the workshop served as a huge boost to their confidence as well as helped them to start the self discovery journey. They also expressed their gratitude to the group’ for the kind gesture.
Among other topics discussed were “Dangers and consequence of low self esteem ” and “Right perception and building Self confidence.”
