A moment of Gratitude

On payday, I find myself reflecting on the importance of gratitude. Despite the tough economic environment, everyone is working hard and doing their best. As a full-time employee, I find things challenging and often wonder how others are managing. This thought led me to consider what I can contribute and how I can say thank you.

It occurs to me—how can I help with the little I can spare, and how do I show my appreciation to those who help me with the little they have? They contribute in various ways, from phone credits and internet data to transport costs, going to the market to inquire about the cost of goods, finding primary schools to give donations, organising and distributing those donations to children, and sending me pictures and information at their own expense.

First, I contacted Mallam Sani in Nasarawa State via WhatsApp: "Mallam Sani, I need your advice. I want to give exercise books and pencils to poor children in the area, but I don't have much money. How do I go about it?"

He responded, "Assalamu Alaikum, Good Morning Hajiya Hafsi. Firstly, you have been rewarded for the good intention." I replied, "My budget is twenty thousand Naira."

He promised to confirm the prices and get back to me. Mallam Sani used his own resources to gather the necessary information.

Next, I reached out to Mr. Friday in Jimeta, Adamawa State: "Mr. Friday, good morning. I want to give pencils and exercise books to poor children in Jimeta, but I don't have much money. How do I go about it?"

Mr. Friday responded, "God will provide, Ma. The country is so hard." I replied, "If I send twenty thousand Naira, what can we do?"

Mr. Friday assured me, "It will be fine, Ma." When I asked how many kids we could help with twenty thousand Naira, he said, "As many as it can reach. At least you have done something, and if everybody is doing something like this, the country will be fine." Mr. Friday also used his own resources to check prices and plan the distribution.

I then reached out to Aunty Anyando in Cross River State. "Aunty," I messaged on WhatsApp, "I was just thinking about you. I want to give pencils and exercise books as a charity in Ikot Ansa and Adiabo, but I don't have much money. How do I go about it?"

Aunty Anyando responded, "Good evening, how are you?"

"We thank God," I replied.

Aunty Anyando advised, "If you are not handy this term, fast-track it to the next term, which is September 2024. All is sufficient; God will make money available for you. Plan it between this month and December, and definitely you will execute it."

I asked, "How many children can we help with twenty thousand Naira?"

She promised to find out the price of a dozen exercise books and a packet of pencils and get back to me after a market survey. Aunty Anyando also used her own resources to gather this information.

Finally, I reached out to Mr. Bello in Lagos. "Morning, Mr. Bello. I need your advice. I want to give pencils and exercise books to poor children, but I don't have much money. How do I go about it?"

Mr. Bello responded, "Good morning and win today, Ma. Happy weekend. What quantity, Ma?"

I said, "If I sent twenty thousand Naira, what can we do?"

Mr. Bello replied, "Haa! Twenty thousand Naira will be very low, Ma! Due to the current inflation rate in Nigeria, twenty thousand Naira can't buy anything meaningful. One can start with fifty thousand Naira."

I asked, "What can fifty thousand Naira buy?"

Mr. Bello assured me, "Let me inquire today. I will get back to you in the afternoon. If I can know the best price for a pack of exercise books, then we can know the total packs we can buy for a start. The artist will need to put an inscription like this: 'Free Courtesy of...'" Mr. Bello also used his own resources to gather this information.

Seeing the selflessness and dedication of Mallam Sani, Mr. Friday, Aunty Anyando, and Mr. Bello has been humbling. Once the donation has been made, I will share updates on how each of them was able to distribute the exercise books, pencils, and pens to the children, along with pictures and their experiences.