Transform Girls' Education With Technical School

Mother’s Day is that time of the year that I join the cohort of people around the world who pay tribute to mothers. After she passed away many years ago I mostly celebrate my mother’s gentle soul. As the years go by, I get greater insight into her life through my own actions. I realize that with patience, nothing is impossible. Consequently, on Mother’s day, I mostly rehash all the good things mothers do. I not only remember the special bond my mother shared with me, I also miss the love and care she gave my siblings and me.

'Mother Appreciation List'

A few years ago, out of curiosity, I experimented with something new. I decided to review the items that made my appreciation list of my mother. I had a stunning revelation. Everything on my list mirrored her life circumstances. It was about the small and big things she did. It was about the way she cared and loved us. It was about the reasons she forgot all the pains we caused her and forgave all the hurts life threw on her. She accepted everything even our problems with joy. Our dreams became her reality. Most of all she had never lost patience.

Throughout the years, I reflected on these values and virtues. I continued to wonder how she could have done it all. Even though I am now a mother myself, I really didn’t comprehend how my mother could have accepted and tolerated everything without getting angry, upset and bitter. I then met Raïssa last year and it became apparent to me that mothers are exceptional creatures.

A Mother and A Student

Raïssa is a 21 year-old single mother who joined our tutoring program at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. She showed up with her daughter when we opened the door for the peer-to-peer tutoring class sessions in August 2017. When I asked her to tell us why she was showing up with her baby, she said, “I am persevering in my dream of becoming a journalist.” She also mumbled while hugging her daughter “ I would like to give her a better shot in life.”

She did not miss any session during the three days that I spent with them in classroom. She came every day carrying her daughter. She held her on her laps when she felt asleep and paid attention religiously. She walked out of the classroom calmly when the baby started crying. She came back in and continued to take note while holding her baby close to her heart. She did all of it with composure and dignity. She recognizes that patience and time will help her achieve her goals. 

Your Uplifting Mother's Day Gift

Today, as we celebrate and salute all mothers on this Mother’s Day, let’s not forget to help Raïssa strengthen her determination to fulfill her dream of becoming a journalist. Her unconditional love is what she can afford her daughter currently. With your unforgettable gift to our tutoring program in honor of a Mother in your life, you could turn things around for Raïssa by converting her dream into reality.

Your continuous support has allowed Raïssa and the other girls in the tutoring program in Bankondji to strive for a better future and greatness. Your gift today will keep on lifting their spirits and boosting their morale.

Happy Mother’s Day! And remember, patience is key to our success.

Sincerely,

~Jacqueline Audige and the Board