By Yinka Ogunde
Let me illustrate this by sharing a story I remember so well. I was still very active in the business of advertising and our client CAPL, makers of Dulux paint wanted to have an Art Competition
We had to plan.
We selected secondary schools
We invited Art Teachers for a briefing.
We created a theme. The focus was on the environment and the need to save the environment.
We selected a panel of judges( respected Art Connoisseurs) I remember that was my first visit to Didi Museum.
The students were excited
The entries began to roll in from various schools.
Finally, the winner emerged. It was unanimous. No debate at all. Even up till now, over a decade later, I still remember that particular piece of art.
The boy was an SS2 boy.
He drew an eye
The eye reflected so much pain..drops of tears like oil rolling down.
Below he had barrels of oil. He had dollars! He had pounded on the floor! The tears fell on the money and oil.
We all stared. We could not believe the young boy could interpret the theme that way.
Interpretation:
The environment is being destroyed by the activities of oil companies and love of money as well as corrupt practices.
Powerful painting.
I was not surprised to learn that the school had a very talented and inspiring Art Teacher who helped him to nurture the gift.
I was not surprised to learn that the school intentionally gives such talented students a place to flow without stress
Why this long story.
The giftedness of your child matters.
As a parent searching for a school. Try and take time to identify the talents of your child. Look for schools that can help nurture them.
Help your child to identify his or her gift zone early. It is always so much easier to grow in an area you are naturally gifted in.
Why? Imagine this
Even if I practice singing for ten years, I cannot hit the notes that Tope Alabi or favorite of all time Sinach hits. Meanwhile, they get great results because they work constantly on their giftedness.
There is a school that is right for your child.
You will need to search
You will need to observe.
Don’t forget my focus here is largely on secondary schools.
I hope you find this useful.
Tomorrow, I will share another issue you may wish to consider