Last week, I made a one day trip to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC to obtain a Visa for my upcoming 4th trip to Nigeria. After my appointment, I attended a lobbying event at the US Capitol on religious persecution in Nigeria. It was hosted by an organization called International Christian Concern.
I listened to members of Congress, Nigerian officials, and even surviving victims describe and lament the relentless attacks on Christians. Just this April, a malicious attack in Benue State by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen claimed the lives of 17 Church goers, including two Priests. In the immediate aftermath, Pope Francis, in an address in St. Peter’s Square, prayed for “peace and harmony” in Nigeria.
While HEAL operates in southeast Nigeria, away from most of the religious violence in the central and northern areas, the ripple effect is real. “No easterner wants to go to the north and no northerner wants to come east, partly because of reckless killings in the country”, said Deacon Leo Okonkwo regarding the decline in National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members at our mission schools.
NYSC members perform a patriotic year of service for Nigeria after graduating from University. Deacon Leo employs several NYSC’s as teachers each school year at much more affordable wages than adult professional teachers demand. But, Rev. Leo says, the lack of NYSC members has “…hampered students’ progress in math, English, and preparation for promotional exams.”
This crisis has pressured HEAL to hire new professional teachers in roles that could easily be filled by NYSC members. Our teachers’ salaries expense is already high enough that adding to it will only increase the strain. In this moment, we come to YOU for help in sustaining this core program for our children.
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