Before I begin this post I would urge all my readers to check out my previous post spirit of Lagos to find out what I got up to last summer.
Spirit Of Lagos
I received several messages of appreciation, comments and kind gestures. I appreciate everything single one and I thank God for giving me the grace to continue to volunteer in Lagos.
I lived and worked among children - the majority of whom were orphans. I can openly admit that the work I do in Lagos is not enough. Instead of commending me, I'd rather people came to Lagos and experienced this amazing journey for themselves. We all know we don't do enough to add our two cents to society because we are busy chasing our own dreams and ambitions. This is not about money... If you cannot donate your money you can donate your time and if you cannot donate your time? Well, there is still something you can do... A small effort; some old toys, clothes, and books. Giving these things away will not take anything from you. It is these smaller efforts that count towards making a wider difference.
But I want to spur a couple of people into action, how can you add genuine value to society? Is it only by spontaneous one-off events; purchasing a truckload of goods to take to an orphanage along with a big fat cheque, carrying a few pot-bellied children, and snapping a selection of plastic grin photos only to post on social media and become a mere fragment of their imaginations?
Isn't it ironic how volunteer/charity work, something which I have been doing for most of my adult life only becomes relevant in Nigerian society if a celebrity partakes in it? I often wonder if it's only in my fellow countrymen that start hailing them as if they have done something amazing for humanity.
I tried to organise for an artist to appear as a guest for the Ipaja community link closing ceremony. It was either too last minute or they demanded payment that was way above what I myself or the charity I volunteer with could afford. We would have been happy for any of them to come down to show their faces talk less of perform. Don't get me wrong I understand artists must make a living... I guess many people in Nigeria still do not understand the concept of volunteering. I get paid to teach in the UK no one pays me to teach in Lagos, my trips are fully funded by myself that’s why it’s called volunteering LOL. You offer a service without being paid for it, many of our youth serve yet they cannot comprehend the moral reasons behind the service. Whenever I volunteer I gain something which no monetary value can be placed on. Considering I am trying to save for a mortgage – like most young professionals in London, I still place quite a high priority on philanthropy.
Interestingly enough I enjoy my unpaid teaching experience 100x more than I do my permanent paid employment which is ironic considering there is no UK standard amenities where I teach (toilets, running water, or adequate provisions).
Lets make no excuses, try to dedicate 2 hours during the month, I am sure you can donate some old clothes toys or books to a motherless babies home or even to the homeless in your community.
One good turn deserves another...
@_Ijustgotback_
Spirit Of Lagos
I received several messages of appreciation, comments and kind gestures. I appreciate everything single one and I thank God for giving me the grace to continue to volunteer in Lagos.
I lived and worked among children - the majority of whom were orphans. I can openly admit that the work I do in Lagos is not enough. Instead of commending me, I'd rather people came to Lagos and experienced this amazing journey for themselves. We all know we don't do enough to add our two cents to society because we are busy chasing our own dreams and ambitions. This is not about money... If you cannot donate your money you can donate your time and if you cannot donate your time? Well, there is still something you can do... A small effort; some old toys, clothes, and books. Giving these things away will not take anything from you. It is these smaller efforts that count towards making a wider difference.
But I want to spur a couple of people into action, how can you add genuine value to society? Is it only by spontaneous one-off events; purchasing a truckload of goods to take to an orphanage along with a big fat cheque, carrying a few pot-bellied children, and snapping a selection of plastic grin photos only to post on social media and become a mere fragment of their imaginations?
Isn't it ironic how volunteer/charity work, something which I have been doing for most of my adult life only becomes relevant in Nigerian society if a celebrity partakes in it? I often wonder if it's only in my fellow countrymen that start hailing them as if they have done something amazing for humanity.
I tried to organise for an artist to appear as a guest for the Ipaja community link closing ceremony. It was either too last minute or they demanded payment that was way above what I myself or the charity I volunteer with could afford. We would have been happy for any of them to come down to show their faces talk less of perform. Don't get me wrong I understand artists must make a living... I guess many people in Nigeria still do not understand the concept of volunteering. I get paid to teach in the UK no one pays me to teach in Lagos, my trips are fully funded by myself that’s why it’s called volunteering LOL. You offer a service without being paid for it, many of our youth serve yet they cannot comprehend the moral reasons behind the service. Whenever I volunteer I gain something which no monetary value can be placed on. Considering I am trying to save for a mortgage – like most young professionals in London, I still place quite a high priority on philanthropy.
Interestingly enough I enjoy my unpaid teaching experience 100x more than I do my permanent paid employment which is ironic considering there is no UK standard amenities where I teach (toilets, running water, or adequate provisions).
Lets make no excuses, try to dedicate 2 hours during the month, I am sure you can donate some old clothes toys or books to a motherless babies home or even to the homeless in your community.
One good turn deserves another...
@_Ijustgotback_
