School Visit

Children Lining Up For Introductions

In an effort to get out of the city and see a bit more of Nigeria, the team ventured to Minna, the capital of Niger State.  We left Abuja before the sun was up in order to avoid the impending street closures needed for mandatory street cleaning.  The trip lasted about three hours and it took us by Zuma Rock, small villages, booming market places, and the picturesque countryside.  Our ultimate destination was school for the deaf and blind.  The children who attend this school also live there year round.

Upon our arrival, we met the principal and director of the school as well as took a brief look at the exterior of the school.  It was pretty basic.  There two long barrack style rooms, one for the girls and one for the boys.  Lined up were rows of bunk beds.   Each bed had a mosquito net, which is quite important to prevent malaria.  Windows to the dorms were open to welcome the breeze, as there is no air conditioning, heat, or running water for the bathroom.  A few of us brave ladies visited the bathrooms, but believe me, it was out of necessity not curiosity.  We were able to see the classrooms which consisted of wooden benches and desks.

Typical Classroom

The children were delighted to meet us.  They were eager to know where we had come from and why we were visiting.  One little boy immediately made friends with Kim, as he took her hand as she walked.  The teachers asked the older students to help gather the little ones and to ensure they put on their school uniforms.  Then they all lined up in front of the main building.  The principal addressed them to introduce us as well as give a very motivational speech.  He stressed the importance of their studies and education and told them they can achieve anything they aspire to do, that their physical disabilities would not prevent them from realizing their dreams.

Ability in Disability Play

Each member of our team addressed the students, stating our name and what country we were from.  The students were especially fascinated with the teammates from India.  In preparation for our visit, many of us brought pencils, candies, and games for the children.  We passed out the goodies and Kim and Glyn played soccer with them.  A few of the older students put on a play for us, titled “There is Ability in Disability” and then some others did a dance number.  However, the children were most excited in having their picture taken.  They wanted group shots and individual shots which each of us.  They were so excited to be on camera.

Demonstrating Dance Moves

Before we left each of us donated one day of our per diem (about $45) to the school to be used to purchase supplies as needed.  While we have no way of actually knowing how the money will be spent, we hope it will go to improving the lives of these children.

Snap Shots With Some of The Students

More Snap Shots With Some of The Students

 #IBMCSC Nigeria

Coffee

While all very different places, what do Barcelona, Beijing, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Rome, and Riga all have in common?  One can order a brewed cup of coffee almost anywhere in these cities.  I would even venture to say that they all have their own unique coffee culture whereby tourist and citizens alike are able to find a cozy street front cafe to meet friends, relax, or perhaps read a book.  One can order a cappuccino, an espresso, or a plain ol' Americano to get their daily dose of caffeine.  Not so in Abuja....

While "coffee" is is readily available in here, it is not of the brewed variety.  Those Kenya beans that Starbucks sells have not quite made it to Nigeria.  Instead, there is instant Nescafe single serve packets.  They are usually accompanied by a single serving of evaporated mile and a sugar cube.  It doesn't matter if you are at a hotel, in the office, or at a restaurant, instant coffee is the only choice.

So imagine my surprise when Kate and I went to Lagos over the weekend and went to a coffee shop!  We had brewed coffee and a carrot muffin for breakfast on Saturday.  It was so tasty we ordered a second.  On Sunday we were treated again to the good stuff.  While Abuja does not need a Starbucks or even a McDonalds to invade the restaurant scene, one could make a killing on selling Krups Single Serve Machine, French Presses, or the old school drip or percolating coffee makers!

#IBMCSC Nigeria

Guara Falls—The Great Falls of Nigeria

In between Minna and Abuja, there is a State Park called Guara Falls.  On the way back from Niger State, the team took a detour from the highway to check them out.  We were pleasantly surprised to see a newly paved road--much nicer than the highway I might add, but a little discouraged when a group of men under an umbrella approached our van and asked for 500 Naira each to enter.  As we did not know what to expect or if it was customary to pay such fees, we were a bit skeptical.  However, we reasoned that we pay to enter parks and attractions at home, why should it be any different in Nigeria?  After paying the fee, one of the men hopped in our van, apparently our tour guide.

We continued down the newly paved road and parked when it ended.  There was a nice pavilion where you could have picnic and a paved path to view the falls.  The view was worth the 500 Naira.  The State did a nice job of creating a great overlook whereby visitors could take pictures.  I took a couple of snap shots and then headed back towards the pavilion.  That is when our guide told us that he was there to lead us down to the bottom of the falls.  We took him up on his offer and headed down the path.

 

There were stone stairs leading down to the river bed.  Once we descended, we climbed on large rocks so that we could get a good view of the falls.  The best way I can describe the hike and the landscape, is to compare it to the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls.  From the bottom, the falls were quite impressive.  After taking in the scenery and relaxing for a bit, we hiked back to the top and headed back.

Guara Falls could definitely be a tourist attraction for those who visit Abuja.  Just make sure to pack a lunch and be careful not to drink too much water…as there are no restrooms

#IBMCSC Nigeria