“Disciple” is the root word of “discipline.” All disciples of Christ are called to have discipline. We must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus to be his true disciples (cf. Mt 16:24). The earlier in life discipline is instilled, the better disciple and leader a person will be in the future.
Faith Yirah, an English teacher at BOMCA academy, believes that better discipline translates into better learning ability. In November, for the sake of her students, she organized a seminar on discipline. National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) volunteers, as part of their required year of service after University graduation, led the seminar activities.
One seminar participant, Adewale Olalere, BOMCA dean of students, described the seminar proceedings. “The first speaker established what poor discipline is and listed some examples, prompting a vigorous discussion among the students,” he said.
As to the cause of poor discipline in students, Ms. Yirah points to peer pressure. To neutralize its influence, she says, “…the students were taught to constantly look before they leap so as to resist engaging in actions that reflect poor discipline.” We can all relate to how peers, especially in childhood, can be a bad influence at times. Fittingly, the seminar taught BOMCA students how to effectively resist peer pressure.
Acquiring discipline will help students reach their ultimate goal of becoming Servant Leaders, the leadership style Christ requires of his disciples (cf. Mt. 20:26). “A leader whose responsibility is to empty himself for his subjects cannot prevail without discipline”, says Ms. Yirah. “As they say, to lead is to serve.”
While the seminar was designed for the students, the teachers who participated also benefited. “The NYSC seminar has helped me to discharge my duty to form the students into exemplary leaders at BOMCA and beyond,” says Mr. Olalere.
The seminar was born in the heart of a teacher, desiring to help her students build the character necessary to become true leaders. Our teachers need help also, especially due to the runaway inflation creating such great hardship among Nigerians. Please BLESS OUR TEACHERS this Christmas season so they can continue in their mission.