Hi Guys!

Earlier this year we went to GEMS Preparatory School in Ilasamaja, Lagos for Community Service as part of the Challenge 2020 program (I'll tell you more about this program but not today)
in our school. Visiting the school is under the Challenge 2020 'Education For All Project'. GEMS Preparatory School is a free of charge first class educational institution for children of blind destitute run by GOD Evangelical Ministries. The school was founded by Oluwafunmilayo David in September 2009.

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We got to sit with her and hear her experience of how she started the school and everything she has gone through these past few years, as well as spend time with the children talking, playing games and telling them stories. It was so much fun! These children are children whose parents are blind beggars in Lagos, they are the ones that will lead their parents on the streets to beg. Pastor David has opened up her home to these children, yes the school is in her house. It holds in her living room and dining room. Mrs.David said doing this has been very fulfilling and God has been very faithful to them. These children come everyday and are taught and fed 2 meals a day. They are also given free school uniforms.


She talked about all the challenges she's faced especially with the parents of the kids. Some of her difficulties include Cultural Issues & Parents not understanding why they are helping and because of this they are not very supportive and there have been cases of them sending their children to school just because of the meals. Although they have gotten a lot of support from the Head of the Blind Colony who helps them speak to the parents. Fayo asked her what keeps her going during the hard times and she told us that It's God and if He gives you a task then He'll definitely see you through to the end.

During an interview on Heart of the Matter with Wale Adefarsin, she was asked 'why education?' She said Education is one of the quickest ways you can change a life. The school has gotten much support from the Serki Makafi (Head of Blind) in Lagos State. He was also present at the interview and Pastor Wale asked him 'what is the benefit that the school has brought to the community?'. He replied in Hausa but the translation is "The school is important because when our children are educated they can help us and help others. Schooling gives exposure and knowledge, that is the reason we want them to go to school. So they can have a better life, just like others who are governors, lawyers and doctors. This is why we need them to go to school and be like everyone else in Nigeria. "I was so touched after watching the interview, which you can watch  here.

Here are some photos from the day.

Musical Chairs

Pass the Parcel

Musical Chairs

Ring A-Ring O' Roses

After story time

To learn more about the school you can check their facebook page.

Do something for your community today and be the change you want to see. Hope your week is great - Tomisin xx

P.S - If you missed our latest feature with young singer/songwriter Jinmi Abduls, you can check it here. His new song 'Pose' is out, check it out nowww! You can find him on Twitter - @Jinmi_Abduls and Instagram - JinmiAbduls.