As Nigeria struggles with one of its toughest economic period in recent history, families across the nation are feeling the strain, particularly during this long school holiday. They are struggling to provide a meaningful summer experience for their children, OLASUMBO ANIUNLOPO, OPEYEMI DOKUNMU and PRECIOUS SALMAN report
The summer holiday is a time for children to relax, travel to visit some of their relatives and to have fun. But, to many Nigerian parents, it’s also a difficult moment to keep the kids engaged amid the economic crisis. They are having a hard time giving their wards a remarkable vacation, they told The Nation.
For many parents, the long vacation has become a source of stress rather than relief. With food prices skyrocketing, parents are finding it difficult to provide for their families.
They spoke of how they are battling with the current economic challenges.
For Mrs. Akande Alimat, a mother of two, who was observing children playing football in the street, the economic downturn has had severe impact on people.
“You see those children playing football; they are just making themselves happy because I am very sure most of them have not eaten today. Nobody is even talking about those mothers and big aunties who always invite kids for long-term holidays. Nigeria’s economy is poor, and people are managing what they have,” she said.
Mrs. Adeola Bello noted that 70 per cent of parents were not happy the children are on long-term vacation because of high cost of goods and services.
Another parent, Mr. Nurudeen Temitope Amodu, father of three, his three children were supposed to attend summer lesson but only two of them were attending because of the expenses involved.
He said N20,000 per week for summer lesson is quite high. Even at that, he had only paid for only one of them.
“Well my family and I were supposed to go on vacation, but it still boils down to the economy of the country. I can’t spend extravagantly now because you have to think very well before spending money,” he said.
Mrs. Edalere Oluwadamilola Adejoke, a mother of two, said: “It is tough, but God is making ways.
“My husband and I cut back some expenses so that we can afford to send our kids to summer lessons. It is important for their future. The rate at which they eat now is alarming. But, God is in control.”
Mrs. Olulope Gbemi, of The Golden Gate Kindergarten and Nursery School, wants her toddler to be able to write and speak English.
She said she would have loved to enrol her son in swimming classes, but he is too young. According to her, her son is enjoying his holiday, though it is not as easy as it looks.
Our experiences, by pupils
Thirteen-year-old boy Iyanu Oseni, a pupil, said: “I used to have three meals a day when I was growing up. But now, we hardly eat one meal a day. Nigeria is spoiled,” he said.
According to him, the economic hardship is forcing children to make tough choices, sometimes leading them to leave their homes in search of food and better opportunities.
“Nigeria’s economy has made a lot of children miss their way home. They believe if they’re out of their parents’ house, they will have enough to eat,” Oseni added.
Other pupils have shared their experiences on how they are spending their holidays.
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For Emmanuel Adewale of Treasure Gate School (primary and secondary), he has been engaging in outdoors games like football and lessons in his school, which have brought noticeable improvement.
Twelve-year-old Adejoke Alimo Temitope of The Triple Height Nursery and Primary loves summer holidays because it has given her time to spend with her newborn baby sister, and also to watch cartoons.
A student of Destiny Seed (primary and secondary) School, Joshua Osaigie, said after he is done with his lesson of the day, he would go and learn computer skills. He said this would enable him prepare for the next UTME.
Olumide Coker Matthew of Christ the Kingdom College said: “I started getting bored easily. Mostly because all my friends have gone to places to spend their holiday. My parents noticed this and decided to send me to a summer camp. Our school itself was organising one in which my parents got me enrolled.
“At first, I thought it would be of no use and would be equally boring. However, to my surprise, I was wrong. The summer camp was one of the best experiences of my life. I got the chance to indulge in so many activities and, in fact, it was the at the camp that I discovered my talent for painting.
“Finally, came my most awaited part. We were taught painting and unique tips to master this art. I learned it quickly and started enjoying painting. My passion for painting began from this summer camp, and I will forever be indebted to it.”
