By Stacy Cruz
Staff Writer
Costa junior Victoria Nwoke gives summer school an entirely new meaning with her summer trip to Nigeria, on which she will help teach underprivileged children mathematics, English and the use of technology through a family-founded nonprofit organization called the William and Teresa Okorie Foundation.
Nwoke will spend two weeks teaching children from local villages through the foundation, which Nwoke’s mother and uncles founded in 2006 to honor their parents, for whom the foundation is named.
“Many of the social and economic conditions in Nigeria are preventing these kids from continuing education,” Nwoke said. “On this trip I hope to make these kids excited to learn again and, most of all, make them happy.”
The William and Teresa Okarie foundation has funded schools in developmental projects, the training of new teachers and the purchasing of supplies. The charity promotes compassion and empowerment in the town of Mbieri, especially the villages of Umuduru and Umuomumu.
“The students that I will be teaching are from the villages where my grandparents are from,” Nwoke said. “We speak the same local language, which will help break down potential barriers and possibly make it easier for us to connect with each other.”
Nwoke will live with her uncle during her stay in Nigeria, where many of her relatives live. Although she cannot fluently speak the local language, Igbo, Nwoke understands it fluently and feels she can communicate effectively.
“I don’t think there’s a language barrier since I understand the language,” Nwoke said. “Being able to communicate will hopefully reduce the initial fear of having a foreigner teach the children.”
According to Nwoke, she does not aspire to be a teacher by profession, but it has always been a dream of hers to travel around the world, especially to rural areas, and teach people subjects such as English.
“Sharing my knowledge with others and seeing them grow is such a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity,” Nwoke said. “I’m excited to be able to help kids who live in an area where they don’t have all the resources to necessarily reach their fullest potential and get the help they need.”
Nwoke believes this trip will remind her what it means to have a broader, more holistic view of the world. She believes it is necessary to step outside of herself and focus on others for a change.
“This trip will remind me to be grateful of where I live and the life I was given, and that wherever I go and whatever I choose to do, I need to make time and do something completely selfless,” Nwoke said.
Leave a Reply