The popular saying goes, “They claim that happiness arrives with the morning light,” yet comprehending the full significance of this adage requires an experience with specific circumstances. Only then can one truly grasp its depth. The journey began with a brilliant concept that materialized on a picturesque Sunday morning. During this time, a strong desire for Akara, a local bean delicacy, prompted me to stroll down the street. There, I encountered a young woman with a radiant smile selling Akara. However, my attention was drawn to her baby strapped to her back in a tattered cloth, amidst choking smoke from the firewood. The baby’s persistent cough caught my attention.
Prompted by these observations, I inquired whether the woman had followed the routine immunizations for her baby, including DPT and BCG, among others. Astonishingly, her response revealed a lack of awareness, as she asked, “What is immunization?” Further questioning about pneumonia left her bewildered. This moment urged me to take decisive action.
I embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, channeling my determination to create a meaningful impact. The concept of establishing the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (my NGO) seemed promising. While the idea held immense potential, practicalities and considerations loomed, yet my unyielding determination prevailed. I collaborated with Dr. Chizoba Wonodi, a like-minded individual, and together, we aimed to craft an unconventional and engaging approach to educating rural communities.
The significance of preventing diseases, particularly those that claim lives needlessly, weighed heavily on my mind. The pressing question remained: What have we done to confront these issues that affect individuals of all ages, including the vulnerable children who hold our future? The reality struck me as I gazed upon my own children, wishing to shield them from harm’s way.
The insight into this harsh reality served as a catalyst for action, prompting me to organize an event that combined excitement with education—a fashion show that utilized the children most susceptible to disease as models. After much consideration, the event was aptly named “Fashion for Pneumonia,” drawing inspiration from my previous campaign’s “Fashion for Health” segment.
However, arranging the event was not without its challenges, including securing funds. Fortunately, a grant opportunity emerged from the International Vaccine Access Center that aligned with our project’s goals. With persistence and dedication, the necessary elements fell into place, and the event became a reality.
Selecting the right community was pivotal. Damangaza Hausa Settlement seemed ideal. The settlement lacked exposure to immunization and proper water, sanitation and hygiene habits. I engaged with the children, preparing them to confidently showcase their potential on the runway. Additionally, Gosa Village and the Gishiri Orphanage joined the cause, further enriching the event’s offerings.
Yet, the journey was not smooth sailing. Resistance and skepticism emerged from Damangaza Hausa Settlement, requiring me to facilitate better communication, even purchasing a phone for the village’s outspoken Imam. Trust-building remained a gradual process, involving intense convincing due to the villagers’ apprehensions.
As the event neared, unexpected challenges persisted. The Imam’s last-minute request for money threatened to disrupt proceedings, testing my patience and resolve. The effort to dress the models became another obstacle due to cultural constraints, necessitating creative solutions.
Despite these hurdles, the event transpired, offering a beacon of success amid the chaos. The culmination of my efforts was overwhelming, overshadowing the trials endured during the planning stages. As I reflect on this journey, I understand that the end result justifies the challenges faced. The event’s impact was evident in the children’s insightful and amusing questions during the Q&A segment.
The significance of our cause resonated with the attendees, and it was clear that the community members grasped the importance of immunization against pneumonia and other preventable diseases. The Vaccine Network for Disease Control left an indelible mark, inspiring learning and change. Looking ahead, we are introducing the “Support a Settlement Scheme,” encouraging contributions toward immunization efforts, and inviting collaboration with various stakeholders. The ultimate reward lies in knowing that even though these diseases remain unseen, our efforts have made a meaningful difference. While some may disregard this impact, for us, it carries profound significance.
In my anger, I told him to do as he pleased because I was not ready to part with another dime (I was already short on cash and was not sure how I was going to complete some payments all thanks to some unbudgeted costs like PHONES).To fit the clothes donated by some good Samaritans for the catwalk was another case. The Muslim culture restricted them from taking off their clothes in public, so to test another was a problem. Tempers were flying up and down. As the children had never being to a fashion show or a stage before, to adapt to the stage was tough on them. It became obvious to me that my kids school might disappoint me, but as the smart woman I am, I immediately made a plan B. I gathered my neighbors’ kids and gave them the script. The worst of them all was the Gosa Village. A week to the event, the Village Head travelled without informing me, leaving the villagers clueless. On the day of the event, it was as if things couldn’t get worse. The stage was not ready two hours after the proposed time for the beginning of the event. The public address system, the photographer, and the video man had not arrived, neither had the projector and screen.