A week packed full of activities didn’t stop Ebunlomo Olagunju Foundation closing out the week with our first Inaugural Igosun Teachers Conference on Saturday, June 8th. It has been on our hearts to expand our Education Project. So many thoughts, ideas and visions are on the horizon and we wanted the opportunity to share these as well as pour into the teachers in the Igosun community.

Nothing says an event like balloons! We love balloons. They welcome everyone and communicate “we are here to have a good time.” A group of very excited helping hands showed up to our rented facility to help the Implementation Committee complete the final set up and decorating to prepare for our registered guests.

Balloons were attached to walls and pillars to make the venue special and inviting. The registration table was prepared, sound system EQ’d and presentation equipment set. It was important to us that each attendee knew they were special. For each registered guest, we prepared Ebunlomo Olagunju Foundation customized bags that included refreshments, pens, notebooks and a very special flashlight symbolizing and displaying the conference theme, “Let Your Light Shine!”

Some of the first people to arrive were our special invited guests, dignitaries from Oyun Local Government Education Department. We were very honored to have them with us and appreciate their contribution to the success of the event. We were delighted to have in attendance that day over 80 teachers. They were so appreciative of the program that was delivered and the time spent.

Not only did we have our dignitaries from the local government, Isaac and Holly Olagunju were the keynote speakers for the conference. Holly spent time encouraging and envisioning the teachers of the important role they play in the lives of each of the children they come in contact with. We spent time sharing the reason for the theme “Let Your Light Shine!” Each teacher has a very special and unique gift. They were each uniquely created to be a guiding light to each child that comes through their classrooms.

The flashlights they received served as a symbol of that light. Every time they use the flashlight they should be reminded that they are just like the flashlight. Just as the flashlights guide, direct or redirect, confirm and bring light to the darkness so do the teachers. Teachers bring light to minds that are unknowing or unsure. They confirm students are on the right track with understanding or redirect when they are unsure or confused. Last but not least, teachers guide and direct. Young minds are looking to their teachers for guidance, clarity, understanding, enlightenment and confirmation. Each time one of our teachers uses their flashlight, they are reminded just how important they are to each one of their students.

After Holly, Isaac shared the vision for things we are hoping to move forward with. We are working on interviewing and coordinating an Education Committee. This committee will help in moving forward and expanding our Education Project in areas such as student tutoring, student preparation for entrance exams, continuing education for the teachers as well as future conferences that would address any possible needs or concerns that arise for the teachers. In addition, we were excited to introduce our merit and need based scholarship program for the students in Igosun.

Our 2019 conference was a great success and enjoyed by not only the teachers but all those in attendance. We are very excited to see how all that is envisioned unfolds and where God will take the Education Project in the future. Thank you again to the Implementation Committee, Board of Trustees and our donors. None of this would be possible without your help and donations. It is so good to be Blessed to be a Blessing!