November 2, 2010
As the LCCN Women’s Fellowship frequently sing; “Today, today, today alleluia, is a happy day! Alleluia!” For me today was a very happy day as I was able to realize a dream to experience the Deaf community in Nigeria.
We started the day by visiting the LCCN Deaf Centre in Jimeta, Nigeria which was founded in 1985. Mrs. Ruth Ulea, a deaf woman, who manages the Centre, holds degrees in both teaching and theology. She is a real powerhouse, driven by her faith in God and the passion to serve the deaf community in countless ways! Her unflagging energy and commitment, against the odds of economic challenges, ensures that each deaf child receives a solid education. Ruth opened with an overview of the school and her professional background. (Watch for details in a future blog posting). We then moved to the classroom to meet the students and teachers. They were very happy to see us, especially someone who could communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). My ASL is a little rusty but was well received! The deaf students were studying mathematics using sticks to apply the concepts of addition and subtraction – nice hands-on learning! The teachers held the student’s focus while having fun sharing their knowledge.
Before we left the LCCN Deaf Centre, Ruth presented me with fabric created just for the National Lydia Women League of which Ruth is the president. This organization is yet another ministry lead by Ruth to support Deaf Community in Nigeria. We also were invited to purchase beaded jewelry made by the woman to support the efforts at the Centre. I plan to make a dress to wear to a future deaf community event in Nigeria! (By God’s grace it will be Ruth’s ordination as a Deaf pastor!) We bid our farewell to Ruth and the LCCN Deaf Centre filled with hopes, dreams and ideas to continue the good work being done at the Centre.
Our next stop was at the Remi Foundation, a school started in 2003 by Rehad and Michal Bongi with three enrolled students. The school was originally founded to serve children who were mentally retarded, mentally or emotionally challenged, deaf and/or blind. As the school grew, the Bongi’s adopted the “double healing” philosophy – to create a community that accepts children of all capabilities so that all are accepted and aware of the gifts each child brings to the world. Currently there are 460 students, and a total of 53 staff including 26 teachers at Remi.
Entering the school yard we were immediately surrounded by preschool children welcoming us, giving us hugs, callings us “Auntie” and sharing “high fives”. We toured the various buildings on the campus including a school and community clinic. With great joy we met many children including a visit with the primary school-age Deaf students. The children displayed their skills in signing the ASL alphabet, sharing their names, discussing the subjects they study and enjoyed much fun and laughter.
We wrapped up our time at Remi by visiting with Mrs. Michal Bongi, the founder of Remi Foundation and the principle at Luther Junior Seminary. She shared information, and answered our many questions. Check out this website for more information on the Remi Foundation – you will be blown away! www.remifoundation.org
As we left the campus the Deaf students waved their goodbyes and signed ILY (I love You) ! Another wonderful experience in Nigeria!
Child Means God ( a posting on the Remi Foundation campus)
Barb Geiger
Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church
No comments:
Post a Comment