My school, Orisun School of Hospitality, Ibadan, offered us an opportunity to give back to society when they organised a service project for us in the Juvenile Correctional Institute at Sango, Ibadan.

We were in two groups and went on two separate weekends. One group was to take care of teaching them how to make Native Rice and Noodles, a trending recipe in this era of scarce commodities. This is to enable them to have a way of making tasty meals for the children despite having scarce resources, especially tomatoes. The same group taught them how to make birthday cards, which we encouraged them to make for each celebrant, and we also gave them sessions on personal and environmental hygiene. These sessions were given to all the inmates who had reached the age of reasoning and their caregivers.

The second group took care of teaching them housekeeping and some small chops. It was all successful, judging by the feedback we got back in school.

I was in the first group. On arrival, I was struck by the harsh realities of life faced by the children we saw there. I realised the children’s need for attention and a listening ear, so I spent some time with my fellow students dedicated to playing with, talking and listening to them. We also sang and danced together, aside from the time for the organised sessions we had.

The experience taught me invaluable lessons on empathy, kindness and the power of human connection. My group was there for two afternoons. On the second day, they welcomed us as if we had known ourselves for ages. We were so moved and thanked God for this rare opportunity whose import we initially did not understand.

I was particularly so moved with their stories and struggles that I decided with my fellow graduating student to gift them with one of our final year products of a decorated cake. Though it is a grain of sand, but I would like it to be a show of gratitude to God for the young people out there like me who are not in such facility and also a show of commitment to empathy, understanding and compassion to those others who find themselves there.

We are all connected in some way. Those children inspired me so much!

I would like to extend my unreserved gratitude to my school, Orisun School of Hospitality, for giving me and my fellow students such a rare opportunity to be impactful. You remain the fountain!

Chimamaka