The Shakespearean writings were one of the best writings in his time and whose relevance is non - diminished till this moment. It is even becoming a very difficult thing for people of the new age to get to understand fully what Shakespeare wrote in his books.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men" This was one of the many remarkable lines found in the works of Shakespeare. Really, there was, is, and shall continue to be a tide in the affairs of men. As I think of it now, I remember that day of September precisely 7th, 2012. It was a day that set the tone for a tidal shift in my affairs as an individual.
The tide having set a different course, and with pressure on every side, I had to leave home, to calm my nerves and to forge ahead. I do not know if I should subscribe fully to Hard determinism; maybe not. For once, I came to know that there are other place that can be home. That was SASSI!
Arriving at Ikenga that Friday afternoon, I met one of the best of God's creatures: Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ibenegbu. His acceptance of my having to come by, the circumstances not withstanding, was most humane. I was set to arrive the next week Friday.
My arrival on that day was in the afternoon, I remember the joke, what I would like to call 'snake joke' made by Fr. Eva( he must have forgotten). Not so long after that, I was already entrusted with responsibilities, even before my official introduction. I remember it was on 4th October and the teachers received their salaries on that day.
At first, it was like being in another world, not on the part of having to be a teacher or an administrator, but on the part of the conditions and with whom the work had to be done. But, I had to assure myself that it is one task that cannot be ran away from.
The new hostel system was on stream, there was no such thing as hostel system before then, it was as such a very daunting task, one which was energy sapping and intellectually tasking. Wasn't my first time having to look after young people, but in that case, it wasn't in a very ordered ecclesiastical abode of learning cum training. It was in a very free world!
I had to adapt my way through a very strong resolve to make my own fair contributions to the success story of young people, and because of what I had passion for - teaching and learning. The Manager was of a very great help. He would say, "Nnaa, I know you're still a very young boy, but you can do this; gi na ya nuba". That assurance of one who has faith in you, your weaknesses not withstanding kept me going.
At first, it was only three teachers leaving inside the school, Mrs. Chinazo Nwizu, Mrs. Kenechi Kanu and me. They were very supportive and we made a wonderful team. With time, others came by and I must apologise if I omit a name, wasn't deliberate: Mr. Nnanyelu Egbe, Mr.Adewale Adebayo, Mr. Izunna Aniekwe, Mr. Philip Nwude, Mrs. Okeke Angela Onyeka, and others. The support of other staff notably Nze Raph, the Principal, Mrs. Chinyere Ezeobi, Mrs. Ebere Azike, Madam bursar, the cook, the driver, the gateman and the security man was overwhelming. The respect accorded me was worth appraising.
The daunting task of forming young minds was one very challenging thing I have got to do. Thank God we did it as we had to.
I was privileged to be a very inner part of the administration, management and organization of the school even in my inexperience. I got to become the Auxiliary One. Sassi, became my home!
The support I got from SASSI when a turbulent and emotionally disturbing period of my life - My Dad's death - was one I would never forget. SASSI has remained a home to me till this day. I was always welcomed each time I showed up, even at the slightest of notice.
The parents and the students were awesome. The respect they accorded me, and still do accord me humbled and humbles me. It was always home! Fr. Eva would always forget my time with the school as a permanent staff was over and each time I came he would always try to get me involved.
I guess that was because I was involved. I remember having to become the master of ceremony during the Christmas party. Before that time, I was yet to pick up a Mic in the name of an MC, I wasn't even sure I could be funny as an experienced MC, but Fr. Eva would not heed my excuses. "Anakwa m akwu onye obula one naira maka MC, GI na ya luba", he said. I thank him for seeing through me, the inert qualities and talents and helping me bring them to the fore. I also thank him for making SASSI a home, my home.
I promised myself I would always seek to do my best for the growth of this home. I also enjoin all persons here to see SASSI as home, home always and what we do to a home is to make it a better home. MAKE SASSI ONE IN ANY WAY YOU CAN!!!
Callistus Agozie Ifedi
Sunday June 21, 2015
Benin.
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