Inflation has hit Americans very hard and Nigerians like a ton of bricks! Regional wars, pandemic aftereffects, and disruptive policies, such as Nigeria’s recent ending of a fuel subsidy, together have caused extreme price increases for basic commodities such as food and fuel.
Most Nigerians are feeling the financial pain, including many of HEAL’s teachers who provide formal Catholic education for over 400 poor and marginalized rural village children attending our two K-12 schools.
On top of this national financial crisis, HEAL’s ongoing struggle to pay our teachers, while keeping up with other recurring mission needs, has made life difficult for them. “In light of the inflation ravaging the country, some of our teachers are tempted to seek greener pastures or become self-employed,” said Rev. Leo Okonkwo.
In fact, a few of our teachers have indeed reduced their teaching hours to work side jobs just to pay their bills. Rev. Leo himself has been grading papers for teachers to lighten their burden in stressful times!
Also, one of our students has noticed her teachers’ struggles and has responded with compassion. Blessing Augugom graduated from BOMCA senior secondary school back in August, but has put off university to be a teacher’s aid for the first trimester of the 2023-24 school year.
“I am helping teach primary level classes at BOMCA to manifest self-emptying servant leadership as I was formed by the MOJ Sisters and my teachers”, Blessing said in reference to our mission spirituality.
As president of HEAL, I’m inspired and challenged by missionaries like Rev. Leo, Blessing, and our teachers, all emptying themselves like Christ in the midst of crisis to uplift those whom we call “the masters.” I must do more through HEAL and I need your help.
“HEAL’s renewed effort entering 2024 will go a long way to lift the financial burden off our teachers and entire workforce and shield our mission from future economic uncertainties,” says Rev. Leo.
For only $6 a day or $170 per month or $2,000 per year, HEAL can develop the life of one child with proper nutrition, security, medical care, and religious and formal education.
For the least of God’s people (Mt. 25:40), HELP us make it happen!