Chukwu's Story
30/09/2008
Born on 5 March, 1981, Chukwu, a handsome little boy was given admission into the SOS Children's Village Isolo, following the death of his mother. He had his primary education at the SOS Primary School, Isolo. During the period of his secondary education, he was given the opportunity, because of his academic prowess to take the entrance examination to the SOS International College, Ghana. After a successful stay of four years at the college, Chukwu's outstanding performance earned him a university place to study for a double major in Accounting/History at Concordia University, Minnesota, USA, which he will complete in May 2005. Read excerpts from Chukwu's interview.
How was the atmosphere during the time you spent in the village?
It was a wonderful moment, coming into an atmosphere with brothers, sisters and the mother I never had. Like most families we had our ups and downs. We can squabble over something trivial such as a misunderstanding following a discussion, but our SOS mother will intervene giving us advises on good behaviour, then, we will be friends again and we will go back playing, forgetting what has just happened.
Things were a bit different when I moved to the youth house. The atmosphere in the youth house is not practically the same than that of the village. I had to be more responsible when taking decisions, besides I had guided assignments to carry out in the home.
In a general way, I enjoyed living in both places.
What difficulties did you encounter before going abroad?
There was no particular difficulty I encountered. However, when I was about to come over to the USA, people tended to treat me a little different telling me what to do and what not to do so that I don't hurt myself. Everyone freely gave advice on the do's and don'ts. Somehow, I was treated in a special way by my SOS mother, brothers and sisters. It also showed the love they have for me, but on the other hand I did not feel differently from them because I am still one of the family.
When you are travelling abroad you are expected to be a role model to your sisters and brothers through your achievements. In my case I have to play this role for my "SOS family".
What was the involvement of SOS Children's Village in your travel?
Everyone (my SOS mother and all her colleagues, the national director, the village director, the SOS mother counsellor etcÂ…)was supportive and wished me well. The village director in particular was actively involved with my travel arrangements and obtaining my visa. He was there in person with me when I went for my interview for my US visa and went with me to make travel arrangement at the airport. My SOS mother, "Mom Asaba" cooked jollof rice*, my favourite dish, to make my remaining days enjoyable with my brothers and sisters. I had more fun with everybody in the village than I had ever had.
How did you manage to live a life on your own?
Things were not easy at first, not knowing anyone here in the United States. However, I had the support system of the university that helped me to face the challenges ahead. My experience when I was attending the SOS International College in Ghana prepared me to take care of myself. I learnt to adjust to a new environment and let it work for me.
Do you think SOS Children has helped you?
Yes, indeed. SOS Children Nigeria has everything to do with my upbringing, my success and every privilege I had which many children do not have here in Nigeria. This is all the more real as I came into the village as a kid, and I barely know the reasons why I was there and how. The village did all the best for me. I am very glad I grew up in a village. I learnt what values are, to differentiate good from bad, and to choose which one to adopt. I learnt what it is to be passionate about something I really want and how to work to achieve it. SOS Children has taught me that no matter what the situation is or the conditions, not achieving one's aim should never be something that a hard working person should think of, as one's achievement is a result of one's own hard work.
At the moment, what is your relationship with your SOS mother, your brothers and sisters?
My relationship is a very good one. Right now I am about to graduate from college and I'm still trying to figure out which step I should take next. In this quest, I have not had much time to communicate with my SOS mother, my brothers and sisters and the village director much. But, I know that they are always there for me anytime I need them.
What is your best memory of the village?
Christmas time in the village is my best memory. Though I have not had Christmas in the village since I started going to Ghana for about nine years now, this period is still the most registered and memorable period for me in the village. Christmas holidays used to be the holiday when everyone comes home (to the village) from their various schools to have fun, play and interact with one another. This also gave me the opportunity to meet some of the "SOS personnel", their families and "SOS friends". I always used to learn something about someone, myself and the environment during this period, during my interaction with other SOS children, workers and friends. I also felt a sense of belonging, being part of the community where I grew up.
What are your plans after graduation?
Hopefully, after having sent out my curriculum vitae to various establishments in Nigeria, I am looking forward to taking up a career in accounting soon after my graduation, get married and have children. (smile).
"Chukwu has a good relationship with others in and around the village. Dedicated to his studies and always ready to help others. Throughout the period he studied in Ghana at the SOS International College, he was well behaved, focused and diligent to whatever was committed to him. As he came for vacation from America last year, he was loving and caring as he shared gifts of sweets, chocolate, etcÂ… to different categories of people in the village. He is loved by all", said Augustine O. Adetola, the village director of SOS Children's Village Isolo, Nigeria.
* Jollof rice is a local name of a mixed rice with oil, onions, salt, pepper, chicken with many others local spices. The dish is greatly appreciated in Nigeria.
Relevant Countries: Nigeria.