Anastasia Ugwu

Nigeria

Unity in Diversity

 

Olamma sighed for what appeared to be the hundredth time that morning. She hadn’t come to terms with the fact that she’d spend a year at a remote village in Northern Nigeria. She’d heard stories about the striving, evident in that part of the country. And she’d sworn never to step foot there.

 

Alas, Providence thought otherwise. She remained in bed till her father called, wishing her the best and seeking assurance that she’d continue to make him proud. It was that assurance that made her get ready.

 

Looking all prim in her NYSC uniform, Olamma set out for the day. However, her resolutions dissolved when she neared the almost dilapidated structure of the school.

 

When she got inside, the pupils greeted her. Ordinarily, she’d have smiled in satisfaction.

 

She managed to get on with teaching—heaving a sigh when break came.

 

She’d barely sat when a girl approached her.

 

“Take this, ma,” she said, presenting a bottle of groundnut. “A gift from my mama.”

 

Olamma received the item. “But I don’t know your mother.”

 

“Whenever a corps member is brought here, she gets gifts for her.”

 

Olamma blinked, unable to believe her ears.