At the end of the visit, the students were very grateful for the opportunity to lift their eyes from their books and connect their lives with a higher purpose of service by taking care of the most needy in society, even if only for a few hours.
Every student looks forward to their graduation from the university but the glamourous day is usually preceded by a frenzy to beat several deadlines; with the timelines for the dissertation and the dreaded project defense rushing towards you as a formidable obstacle against crossing the university finish line.
It is understandable in such circumstances not to have time to look up from one's books, or appreciate that there are many people in direr circumstances in society however since much of life after school also happens in a rush hence the need to acquire the habit of taking care of the most needful in society regardless of the circumstances.
Pope John Paul II's famous saying "Nobody is so poor that he has nothing to give...", could be adapted as Nobody is so busy that he has no time to give. And so Lakeside Study Centre's 2024 graduates made time before graduation to spend time with the orphans at The Nigerian Red Cross Orphanage, Makoko, Lagos.
Four students were available on that rainy day, and gift items were also donated by other students who could not join the visit in person. The gift items were presented during the visit.
The quartet was welcomed by one of the caregivers. The staff were surprised and grateful to the four students and their friends for their generosity. Then, they were to meet the children. The ages of the children ranged from month-old babies to twelve-year-old children. Notable among the kids in the orphanage were Quadri and Timi, they were the oldest of the children there at twelve years old. Quadri and Timi were so friendly that they nick-named one of the graduates “Superman” because of a vest he wore. The children at the orphanage were in good spirits and their joy was contagious.
The matron in charge of the orphanage home is Mrs Caroline Olalu. She had a naturally bright smile and an attractive personality. She was a nurse by profession who found fulfillment in her care for these kids. The children were excited and quick to embrace her as she entered the room.
At the end of the visit, the students were very grateful for the opportunity to lift their eyes from their books and connect their lives with a higher purpose of service by taking care of the most needy in society, even if only for a few hours.