#BringBackOurTosin: Education is Crucial.

ProjectUpdate: You don't work with children and not be emotionally attached. Ko le wherk. :p.

For some 23months now, Street to School Initiative, through her school intervention program (HelpersAcademy) has been 'responsible' for the primary education of more than 100 children, who were previously school drop-outs and out-of-school. The road has been rough. Yet, exciting, as meeting the academic needs of enthusiastic learners can't be less fun. :).

From 3 kids, we have grown to over 110 children...some of these children, we met on the street hawking, some were indoor-bound (usually locked in while other children go to school) and, others were referred to us. Yes! We sure have so much to be thankful to God for, over every child whose path has crossed ours. It's alot of work and kind of special school, because unlike other schools, the age of the child doesn't determine the class. There is huge disparity, and been out of school for a long time has played some defining role in their academic age.

Unlike other private schools, when a scholar doesnt show up in school, we go after them. Yes, fa. Lol. We visit their home immediately, and, sometime with a rod in the hand (yes, egba pankere does it better.. :p as some of these children are so used to staying at home!). And, no we dont leave their houses until they follow us back to school....except in some exceptional cases -illness. :(

Okay, I am saying all of these because...

For some days now, one of our students has been absent. And, it's been difficult reaching out to him, because the family has been facing some challenges. They have been homeless. Living in some church building etc. (I tell ya, these children are survivors!!! They are stronger than you know, mostimes).

The challenges never tell on Tosin, my namesake. He is an enthusiastic learner. An optimist, always with a smile.

So, mama came today to inform us, that she has sent her three children back to the village in Edo state because there is no food, no place to stay again.

As in, Tosin? Gone back to the village just like that without plans to fix him in school? Isnt it same Tosin we have registered freely for the National Examination which would come up in some weeks time. No. Ko possible. Then, I told her, mama we need Tosin back! We can't afford to lose him now, he is writing CE this year, and his collegues have started preparations already.

We would get you money to rent a room apartment, we would get you some foodstuffs to keep his hope alive, but on one condition. #BringBackOurTosin.

Mama says she has some N10,000. She is a trader, she hawks.

To help: Accommodation is N36,000 per annum. (2years = N72,000). Agency etc: N20,000. 

Please, help bring our Tosin back to learn by sending your donation to Street to School Initiative, GTBank, 0162126614.

Mama has promised to...#BringTosinBack.

Sincerely,

Street to School Team

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