I HAVE A STORY TO TELL

As a software engineer, in the early years of my career(precisely 2017–2019), I have had the privilege to train over 30 kids between the age of 10 and 14 years programming for 2 years. I have seen kids pick up this knowledge and within 6 weeks of learning, they are able to build simple websites, games, and applications that serve as a building block for advancement. I recently received a call from one of the young champ I trained and in our conservation, he told me that he will be resuming to study computer science at the university. He also shared with me how that he was glad that he was sure that was what he wanted as he went through the training in 2019. I was so happy to share in his joy as I received feedback from him on how the experience of having this young champ with me was going to make a definite impact in their journey through life. I summarized our interaction in the following

1. Having the opportunity to help someone grow is a noble responsibility.

2. Repeating a concept over and over is important to growth — you must never get tired of going back when people are growing at a different pace.

3. When leading a group, people grow at a different level, you must encourage the older ones to help the younger ones to grow to their level in love.

4. Be vulnerable and sometimes the best way to influence and inspire others is to share our own personal journey.- If you don’t understand vulnerability, you cannot manage and lead people, If you’re not showing up vulnerably as a leader, you can’t expect anyone to follow you.

5. People need to know that you genuinely care before they place trust in your intentions.

6. As leaders, we must remain committed to the development of those under your care, while mastering the art of providing timely feedback and encouragement.

7. Everyone is intelligent, how fast or slow a person grows in a group is not the basis for defining them, knowing that background, family and environment are factors that influence people.

8. You must be ready to create an environment that breeds love and enthusiasm before imparting knowledge into the mind of people; the heart must be prepared for the seed to be received.

9. Positive words and constant encouragement will set people in motion faster.

10. It takes a lot to convince people to see what you see in them or at least to visualize themselves a couple of years down the road. our love and encouragement in words and actions will make them see it faster

The picture attached was taken in 2018 while training some kids in Ibadan