Handwashing and libraries were two of the subjects up for discussion during this week’s online UK-Nigeria meeting. John Dada informed us that Global Handwashing Day falls on 15th October. A Fantsuam team member was in Kaduna to discuss Fantsuam Foundation’s participation.
John said: “We would like to raise awareness in the local schools on basic handwashing, but the schools have no running water, and some have no toilets.
“We are thinking of installing some basic but affordable hand-washing stations in a few of the schools. It’s a small step, but in the right direction.”
John explained that a good first step would be the siting of a water bottle hanging from a string, so that it tips easily for washing one's hands.

In typical John Dada and Fantsuam Foundation fashion - where there is always the drive to share and replicate - John suggested that on the global Handwashing day that it would be good to make Fola at the Ago-Are Dadamac outpost aware of this global initiative so that they too could join in the day. From this discussion came the firming up of the idea of linking Fola’s Ago-Are children with those at Fantsuam Foundation’s children’s computer club.
John said: “We are also keen to start a School Radio Program where kids will hear themselves discussing issues with other kids.
“The Children's Radio idea is nothing new. When I was in the Primary school, we used to have one lesson period during the week, when the head teacher brings a radio to our class and we all cluster around it to listen to some lessons.

ONE team member described this week’s UK-Nigeria meeting as “very thought-provoking”. Well I can certainly concur with that!
The bulk of the session was spent discussing the Knowledge Resource Centre. It was important that the team all shared their vision of what the KRC future might be.
One of the fundamental starting points was for us all to recognise the importance of our own learning journey. This is a “foreign” concept for many, who often see only formal accredited education as having worth or importance.
The group were able to see that the staff at Fantsuam Foundation are in fact incredible role models. All are self-directed learners - each with their own unique and impressive learning journeys. One example is Comfort who attended some initial basic workshops re Microfinance, and has gone on to establish the very successful and sustainable Microfinance programme at Fantsuam in rural Nigeria. She is now regarded as a true expert in this field, able to offer valuable insight and training for others both locally and globally.

Organising the 6th Dadamac Day anniversary celebrations took up the majority of the allotted hour for this week’s UK-nigeria meeting.
The theme agreed upon was “ Dadamac goes Glocal” and was to be focused around the Knowledge Resource Centre at Fantsuam Foundation.

Another Wednesday UK-Nigeria online meeting - and once again it delivered real gems of information.

 

At this week's UK-Nigeria online meeting it was fitting that learning at the Knowledge Resource Centre using Zittnet's enabled internet connection was the main focus.

It was decided by the team that the First Thursday " open" meeting would in future be a focus for the Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) users at Fantsuam Foundation. However, in readiness for this additional computers will need to be sourced. It was suggested that 4 - 5 computers are required and will then need to be "skyped"

One of the great benefits of our weekly typed meetings, compared to the more traditional spoken variety, is the ability to “dip in and out” of them. This was aptly demonstrated by John Dada on Wednesday - for despite the “distraction” of chairing the important BB4NG meeting in Abuja, he was able to read what we were discussing and even appoint a chairman for our team meeting!

Nearly half this week’s UK-Nigeria online meeting was spent discussing the Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) at Fantsuam Foundation (FF) - but it was well worth it!

Kelechi, Director of Fantsuam’s Academy, and recently-appointed KRC Officer Ladi updated the UK on their plans for the KRC, with the help of John. Kelechi told us: “Presently, we are reviewing the Workplan for the KRC, working out a good strategy towards more purposeful service delivery.” He added that “the KRC is custodian to all learning resources of the Academy”.

John explained that they see the KRC  being “a learning hub - a repository which can be accessed for the Academy and any other learning that goes on in FF”. He went on: “The initial focus of the KRC will be its use by and for children. The Children's Computer Club, CCC, is a component of the new children's programme. We'd like all FF's formal and informal learning to be managed from the KRC, allowing people to come in to use it.”

Wednesday's weekly online meeting was a timely and informative affair this week. The Nigerian team were able to introduce Ladi, the newly appointed Knowledge Resource Centre officer to the UK team. Kelechi, the Director of the Fantsuam Academy is currently responsible for her orientation and training and appears to be doing a formidable job and left with Ladi after the meeting to continue with her induction.

Much of the hour was spent learning more about the planned UN Sickle Cell awareness day. The UK shared with the team the press release which had been prepared.

In rural Nigeria when you need new furniture you don't go online or pop  round to the nearest Ikea for a flat-pack. You employ a local carpenter to buy some wood and make the furniture that you need.

The Knowledge Resource Centre was in need of furniture it could call its own, and this was mentioned at a recent UK-Nigeria team meeting.

Although Dadamac Foundation is a tiny charity, which does not have anyone to raise new funds at the moment, it was able to send £100 to help. When the money arrived the local carpenter was able to set to work, and already he has made two large new tables and installed them in the Knowledge Resource Centre.

These photos were taken by Yakubu, one of the staff members who has just finished presenting the first C4C (Cameras for Communication) course. We are hoping that these photos mark the start of a virtuous circle of communicaton. The hope is that: