Teachers Without Borders Nigeria-Empowering & Connecting Teachers to Information and Each Other
Location
About You
Location
Project Street Address
Suite 3, 2nd Floor, Standard Plaza, Behind Wadata House, 2 Kutsi Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
Project City
Abuja
Project Province/State
Federal Capital Territory
Project Postal/Zip Code
23409
Project Country
Nigeria
Your idea
Country your work focuses on:
Nigeria
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1-5 years
YouTube Upload
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
<$100
Name Your Project
Teachers Without Borders Nigeria-Empowering & Connecting Teachers to Information and Each Other
Describe Your Idea
Innovation
Describe your idea in fewer than 50 words.
TWB Nigeria is closing the education divide through teacher mobilization, professional development, connecting teachers to information, each other, and inspiring teachers to take initiatives that address community needs. By empowering, connecting and celebrating teachers online, onsite, on-air and on-the-road, we are improving lives to realize education for all Nigerians.
What makes your idea unique?
The uniqueness of our idea lies in the fact that we utilize the wisdom and numerical strength of teachers, the single largest professionally trained group in Nigeria. Our innovative programs and strategies incorporate unique curricula, investment in community outreach, and a commitment to sustainability and growth. We are volunteer driven and we adapt a “bottom – top” approach working to empower one teacher at a time and growing with the teacher who reaches out to others thereby creating a network of educators committed to educational reform and the realization of educational opportunities for all, transcending religious, ethnic or other affiliations. We work across all borders to bring educators of diverse fields to create a common understanding and speak with a common vocabulary – teaching to improve learning and learning to make the world a better place.
Our approach to education is unique because we seek not only to educate teachers for intellectual development but we integrate the principles of emotional and character development thereby providing a balanced education that address the heart, the head and the hands. We deliver our programs through many channels as we are online (www.teacherswithoutborders.org), on-site (in schools and states in Nigeria), on-air (The Voice of Teachers radio show on Kapital FM 92.9 FM Abuja, Nigeria) and recently, are “on-the-road” (with a special van tagged the Wall-less classroom that is moving around city motor parks to deliver educational programs and services). The complementary approach through the online, on-site, on-air and on-the-road channels is most unique among all.
What is your area of work? (Please check as many as apply.)
Children & Youth , Education , Education reform , Girls' development , Mentorship , Youth development , Development & Prosperity , Adult education , Community development , Fundraising , Information technology , Mentorship , Microfinance , Networking , Philanthropy , Poverty alleviation , Technology , Disability , HIV/AIDS , Infant mortality , Reproductive and maternal health , Human Rights & Peace , Women's issues .
What impact have you had?
Teacher access to Certificate of Teaching Mastery (4,100); Millennium Development Ambassadors (1, 386); Voice of Teachers radio show on Kapital FM 92.9 (3 million listeners every week for 18 weeks), TWB presented 3,000 volumes of books, journals, magazines and other educational resources on HIV/AIDS to the Management of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gwagwalada, Abuja for the HIV/AIDS Library Project; distributed over 200 computers to teachers, teacher training colleges and community centers, providing literacy training to over 200 motor park workers in Abuja; enrolled and provided micro-credit to 42 women; membership strength of over 3000 teachers, initiated a nationwide “Teaching Tour” and addressed over 5,000 teachers in more than 12 states on the need for professional development to meet the challenges of teaching in the 21st century and with 72 volunteers working in various schools and communities
Describe the primary problem(s) that your project is addressing.
Our work to improve teacher professional development is a tool for addressing the myriads of problems facing our nation. With a population of over 140 million, Nigeria has both challenges and the potential to make a large impact in the region. 12 million Nigerian children aren’t in school; one in five children die before the age of five; and there are nearly two million orphaned from AIDS*. Teachers Without Borders Nigeria believes that by expanding teacher training and professional development, communities will find solutions to these issues. We are committed to meeting teachers where they live and work, providing the resources and access to opportunities they need so that they can become leaders and find local solutions. Professional development and training is critical for a strong national education system and our programs and initiatives serve to address the gaps in the formal training provided in our country.
Describe the steps that your organization is taking to make your project successful.
We have developed key steps to make our projects successful and they include:
In general, the empowerment of our membership and partnership with others
Online: TWB Website includes a Nigerian membership drive; national citizens have the ability to make Groups, take and create courses, and participate in the online social network without membership fees. Our Millennium Development Ambassadors have created a website dedicated to promoting the role of teachers in achieving the MDGs (www.mdgambassadors.org)
On site: Conducting face-to-face workshops and seminars for teachers as well as establishing Community Teaching and Learning Centers. The CTLC at Tungan Wakili is providing training for Muslim women on literacy, launched micro-credit scheme and computer education for youths.
On the air: The Voice Of Teachers radio show on Kapital FM 92.9 Abuja is broadcasting our Certificate of Teaching Mastery course to 3million listeners each week with 18 episodes already aired.
On the road: Mobile borderless classrooms at 4 major Motor Parks in Abuja.
Impact
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Success in Year 1:
Consistent capacity building of membership, availability and accessibility of relevant information and communication technology as well as modest funding and building of partnership with more core stakeholders in the education sector.
Success in Year 2:
Strengthening our Partnership with other stakeholders, utilization of online, onsite, on air and on-the-road tools in programs and services delivery. Increased membership and capacity of volunteers.
Success in Year 3:
Training of more teachers to take leadership role in community programs, strengthening of our partnership with educational institutions and establishments as well as effective utilization of innovative tools.
Do you have a business plan or strategic plan? (yes/no)
We have developed a networking strategic plan to increase membership to 12,000 teachers and to track our growing membership, have invested resources into capacity building of leadership to track our projects, partnerships, and impacts. With an increased capacity and visibility, along with an expectation of greater impacts, our plan targets 12, 000 teacher membership and 4,000 millennium development ambassadors. We have outlined set of targets and processes for programs; an exponential increase in membership; chapter development; consistent organizational procedures and communications systems; and a concrete plan for diverse revenue streams that reduce dramatically our dependence upon grants and donations.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 1:
Reaching Out and Empowering Teachers
The need is great for teacher training; by partnering with local schools, universities and government agencies we share the Certificate of Teaching Mastery program that fills in the missing gaps needed to meet the current demands of this profession. For example, our partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has enabled us to reach out to more teachers who in turn are joining and signing up for our professional development courses online, onsite and on air.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 2:
Retaining Membership and Connecting Them to Information and Each Other as well as providing guidance and resources
The Certificate of Teaching Mastery Program provides the foundation for professional growth; however, TWB Nigeria recognizes the importance of mentorship and leadership training so that new leaders are prepared to continue to expand the reach. TWB membership is free and teachers can access free online courses, collaborate with international colleagues and continue the professional enrichment experience. When resources are limited we find solutions, for example TWB Nigeria donated 3000 books, journals and magazines on HIV/AIDS to FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gwagwalada.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization? STEP 3:
Celebrating Teachers that are making the difference in their communities.
TWB Nigeria has launched a new stage of development by creating the Millennium Development Ambassadors (MDAs) program. We designed this program to utilize teachers and community educators/leaders to address the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in their families, schools and communities and ask proven and emerging leaders to help find solutions to ensure that Nigeria achieves the MDGs by 2015. Training the growing network of MDAs to work in communities to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal education, addressing health issues, environmental sustainability and local partnership is very crucial.
Describe the expected results of these actions.
• Increased membership to 144,000 teacher organization well trained to support the educational reform process in Nigeria
• Establishment of 150 Community Teaching and Learning Centers, delivery of educational programs through the radio, TV as well as in remote places thereby creating access to education for all
• The mobilization of 36,000 Millennium Development Ambassadors who shall work in all 36 states of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria achieves the UN MDGs by 2015. The establishment of an online teacher training college by TWB in Nigeria as well as the creation of a Voice of Teachers Studio for the recording of the Teachings of Nigerian Teachers on audio/visual CDs for use by learners
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
The challenges that I faced as a teacher in the course of my teaching career inspired me to look into the many difficulties that educators are facing – lack of adequate professional development programs after initial training, disconnect among teachers and the general negative public perception about teachers as people whose reward cannot come to them on earth led me to the idea that we need to empower teachers, need to connect teachers to information, to each other and to resources, and we need to celebrate teachers who are very passionate about their profession and compassionate toward children. In the year 2000, Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo launched the National Rebirth program and challenged Nigerians to come up with strategies to renew the Nigeria nation. I felt it was the moment I was waiting for, and realizing the potentials and numerical strength and geographical spread of teachers, I took up the idea of mobilizing teachers for the national rebirth of Nigeria and have never given up on this calling unto this day. I believe that with teachers well mobilized, empowered, connected and celebrated, we can bring the change we desire to reality. As I began the search for a platform, I found and joined Teachers Without Borders, which has provided me the vehicle for the realization of my dreams and my calling to serve. As I drive, I am seeking to mobilize and move along with many other teachers in Nigeria, my colleagues in additional African countries, and around the world.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
The innovator behind this idea is Raphael Ogar Oko, who graduated in 1990 from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria where he obtained a B.Ed degree in Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology/Mathematics. Upon completion of his B.Ed degree, he was awarded the 1990 Best Graduating Student Award from his department. Following his bachelor’s degree, Raphael took graduate courses at the University of Port Harcourt from the Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology Department as well as from the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Department. Pursuing his call as a teacher, Raphael taught mathematics at the high school level. He also completed the Nigeria National Youth Service Corps program, where he taught at the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria and was later employed as a graduate assistant with the University of Port Harcourt. Raphael’s passion for “education without borders” led him to receive several post-graduate education training with nonprofits in teacher education, character and peace education, family life education, and educational reform strategies. Raphael is also the recipient of the Ambassador for Peace Award given out by the Universal Peace Federation in Nigeria which honored him for his unrelenting efforts to strengthen the education system in his country. Raphael is personally devoted to the TWB vision of addressing the many challenges facing humanity by building the capacity of teachers and thus nurturing them to make the changes needed in their communities to ensure a better future for the world.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Dr. Fred Mednick, founder of Teachers Without Borders suggested I share my programs with Ashoka and the Changemakers community.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
What would prevent your project from being a success?
• Inability to reach out, mobilize and empower teachers with professional development skills. Since the idea involves connecting teachers to information and to each other, the project will not succeed if I am unable to reach out and mobilize teachers.
• Inability to retain membership and create effective networking programs
• TWB Nigeria has designed a program that addresses the needs of our communities and because of this, the momentum builds and leaders are empowered to act; however, we recognize that communication and mobility are critical to our success. We strive to continue building partnerships in and outside Nigeria and nurture new leaders through the Millennium Development Ambassador Program so that we secure a sustainable future and continue making a difference in education.
Financing source
yes
If yes, provide organization name.
Teachers Without Borders
How long has this organization been operating? (i.e. less than a year; 1-5 years; more than 5 years)
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
TWB Nigeria is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and has a Board of Trustees
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs? (yes/no)
yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses? (yes/no)
yes
The Story
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government? (yes/no)
yes
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
• Our partnership with the World Association of NGOs (WANGO) has provided enough access to other non-profits as well as in the promotion of literacy programs in rural communities. Networking with others has provided us the opportunity to learn from others and also teach others.
• Our partnership Multi Links Telkom Ltd is providing us with communication technology tools that we are providing to unemployed youths and disabled persons for small scale business in motor parks and market places.
How many people will your project serve annually?
More than 10,000
What is the total number of employees and total number of volunteers at your organization?
12 staff and 72 volunteers
What is your organization's business classification?
Non-profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Have you received funding from any of the following groups? (Please check as many as apply.)
None of the above.
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Comments
Congratulations Raphael upon being recognized and selected among the finalists of the Champions of Quality Education in Africa! There is a shortage of science teachers in Africa and so your success story should help alleviate this challenge and also help spread best practices among teachers in Africa to improve student performance. However, I pray that you network with potential partners to make better your innovation for more to benefit. Congs!
Thanks so much Samuel for congratulating me and for the very constructive remarks that you have made. I am determined to serve as a Champion of Quality Education in Africa and have noted your kind remarks and will use them. Thank you Samuel and let us all work together as champions
It took me time to understand what the TWB is all about, but after attended the workshop in Abuja i see that i have been missing out from where i belong to in rendering selfless service and make the existing environment be a bettter place, by working with teachers to pass accross the good news of TWB.
Kudos to TWB Nigeria and the African Coordinator for doing great job. They should PLEASE keep it up.Since after the workshop, I signed to be a committed member because i have what it takes to deliver the TWB messages.
TWB should always considered for other benefitting projects.
Congratulations, Raphael. You are the true champion of Quality Education in Africa, as you have always advocated and worked for education in character and career. I am from East Africa but after spending some years in Nigeria, West Africa and watching very closely your unchanging determination and commitment to education for all and Africa Without Borders, I have casted my vote for you. I have seen and listened to many teachers in Africa including our own National Father, Late Julius Nyerere, but I can say that you are the greatest teacher I have come to know in Africa who is not only teaching some theories but reaching out and saving lives and putting your thoughts into action.
Who else should deserve this recognition than you and Teachers Without Borders that are inspiring teachers people across all borders to become agents of positive change, peace and development. You deserve this recognition and I pray for you and ask others to join me in voting for this man of character and worthy career.
I am a Ghanaian living in the United States. I came to know of Mr. Raphael Oko and his accomplishments in Nigeria when I joined Teachers Without Borders. That was when I read about all that he has done and continues to do for teachers and several communities in Nigeria.
As a Ghanaian with a passion to see a change in the quality of education and especially teacher education in sub-Sahara Africa generally, I believe Raphael's accomplishment is a model, not only for Nigerians in Nigeria but for the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa to emulate. Congratulations, Raphael! You are indeed a champion of quality education in Africa and a chanemaker in every respect.
I strongly believe that this man and TWB should be rewarded for their good work in Nigeria so that their excellent job in Nigeria could be replicated throughout the whole of Africa.
Dear Prince,
Thanks so much for your very kind remarks and for your support. I also believe that this recognition will inspire us and provide us with a platform to further the path of providing quality education all over Africa. I also still hope that we can work together in Ghana to empower the teachers there with the needed professional development skills for the 21st century.
Thanks so much. Raphael
I want to sincerely thank the organizers for this opportunity and for the few comments that I have read from colleagues even outside Nigeria, I feel so honored and I am humbled and will continue to do my best as a champion of quality education in Africa. I want to thank everyone for the very positive remarks that you have made and pledge to truly live up to your expectations and serve as a Champion of Quality Education in Africa. As a teacher leader and motivator, I will raise more champions in Africa and all over the world for quality education. I also want to congratulate my other colleagues who have been selected as finalists. I believe we are the ones that Africa has been waiting for and this is an opportunity to make a new determination and offer a new vision for quality education in Africa.
Also, I see this rather as a recognition that commissions you and I to a higher service to humanity and I pledge to live and work with other colleagues to bring the dream of qualitative and quantitative education for the millions of children in Africa and around the world to reality. Thank you Ashoka Changemakers for the recognition and thank you colleagues for your VOTE, which is not just for me, but for the 59 million teachers around the world who have never been recognized enough for the contributions they make and for the hundreds of millions of children who look up to us as teachers for their future. I hope that this will inspire many more to join the 14 of us who have been selected to work for quality education in Africa. I urge my colleagues who have emerged finalist to see this as a moment to truly give a new direction to education in Africa. Let us become the champions of champions for quality education in Africa. While governments in Africa and the UN are making effort to ensure education for all children (quantitative), let us use this recognition to serve as advocates and changemakers for quality education, so that the education of children in Africa will be both qualitative and quantitative.
For the 14 of us selected as finalists, instead of seeing each other as competitors, I will rather request that we work cooperatively as the people chosen at this time to promote quality education in Africa. Let us become the embodiments of quality education in Africa, and let us work to raise more champions of quality education and eventually produce qualitatively educated children who will address and overcome the many critical challenges (corruption, HIV/AIDS, poverty, etc) facing Africa even in the 21st century.
Dear Colleagues, this is a win-win situation for all of us. Let us work more collaboratively to ensure that quality education in Africa is realized. Whether we emerge as final winners or not, let us maintain this momentum and quickly forge a common ground for the sake of education in Africa. I propose that the organizers create a G14 group and a G300+ group for both the finalists and other colleagues who were not selected but passionately believe in quality education in Africa to work together as the new champions of quality education in Africa who will raise many more champions for quality education in Africa. In this way, we shall all be able to work transcending the borders of finalists and non-finalists to bring quality education to Africa. Thank you all for being a part of this and let us mobilize others to join this initiative.
Dear Raphael,
Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas and inspiring message. I could not agree with you more when you say that quality education will equip the next generation of youth in Africa, and aorund the world, to address the critical challenges we are facing from corruption, HIV/AIDS, poverty, and climate change. These are the same beliefs Educate! is working for! Together, I'm sure we can make great progress towards this goal and I hope we can collaborate well in to the future.
Thank you Changemakers.net for organizing this forum!
Eric
Raphael Oko has been one of the greatest inspirations of my life. Placed in the most difficult of situations, he has consistently made moral choices. I have known him for several years. He achieves despite enormous odds. He works with technology and in places where there is no electricity. He fights for women though he is a man; he believes in justice though he has been the victim of injustice. He is strategic, thoughtful, impactful, powerful, and clear. He follows through consistently with his ideas and plans, and he walks his talk. It is an honor to know him, to plan with him, and to learn from him. He is a true Champion of Africa.
This is to congratulate TWB and to confirm that the organization deserves this recognition and reward. I have worked with TWB in Nigeria and I can vouch for the credibility of the organization as well as the impact it is making on the lives of Nigerians and many teachers in Africa too.
Wishing TWB success.
I have benefitted strongly from the activities of TWB and this has been extended to many Muslim brothers and sisters. This is an organization that works without considering religious or ethnic affiliations. I want congratulate Raphael and TWB and urge other Muslims to support this wonderful man who deserve to be the Champion of Quality Education in Africa. I have voted and hope that others will do same for TWB
I do not know any other organization that deserves this recognition more than Teachers Without Borders with their many inspiring grassroot teacher focused, learner dedicated initiatives in Africa.
Congratulations and kudos to TWB, Africa's champion of quality education
I do not know any other organization that deserves this recognition more than Teachers Without Borders with their many inspiring grassroot teacher focused, learner dedicated initiatives in Africa.
Congratulations and kudos to TWB, Africa's champion of quality education
Congratulations Raphael!!! You are truly worthy of receiving this award because you are a man of vision, character, and integrity; a true champion of Quality Education in Africa.
I currently live in the United States and was inspired by Raphael and his amazing accomplishments, through my involvement with Teachers without Borders. Everytime I communicate with Raphael, he is always enthusiastic and welcoming. Through TWB-Nigeria, I was honored to be nomitated as a Millennium Development Goals Ambassador.
TWB-Nigeria and its impact across other regions in Africa have inspired me to begin my own chapter of Teachers without Borders in my native country of Peru. Raphael has been extremely supportive of TWB-Peru and champions our mission and great cause that emulates that of TWB-Nigeria.
Raphael, you and Teachers without Borders deserve this recognition for inspiring all teachers towards peace and sustainability through education across all borders.
Best of Luck To You !!!!
Dear Ambassador Magaly Madrid,
Thank you so much for your inspiring words and commendable. I feel really honored by this words and more challenged to keep up the work that we are doing. I am also hopeful that on behalf of all of you and the over 59 million teachers around the world, we shall finally get the endorsement as Champions of Quality Education in Africa.
Thank you again and again.
Raphael
Dear Shina,
Thank you for the comments and for expressing your sincere opinion about out modest effort. We shall continue to do our best and will live up to the expectations as Champions of Quality Education in Africa.
Thanks so much again.
Raphael
Dear Raphael,
Congratulations on your selection as a finalist for this competition. After reading more about your work, I am inspired and impressed by your efforts. Through teacher training, you are working to put effective systems in place, and your efforts will be far-reaching. AfricAid's "Teaching in Action" program is based on many of the same philosophies as your own program, and I hope that we can continue to work and learn together even once this competition is over.
All my best,
Ashley Shuyler
AfricAid
I thank God that the world has been told of your creative, innovative and people centered projects. My sincere prayer is that you win this award. Your success will send a clear and encouraging message to the youths of Nigeria that all Nigerians can contribute to making life better for our people through creating and executing projects like yours.
Once again congrats on the nomination and wishing you and TWB success.
Augustina Eniayeju
We, the teachers in Yala that participated in TWB Teaching Tour training at Igoli supports your nomination and wish to commend TWB also. Even though we got the information late, we are all here to vote for you and pray that you win on behalf of all of us. You are a teacher of teachers indeed.
Congratulations, Raphael Oko
Dear All,
As we eagerly await the outcome of this initiative, I want to thank all for the keen interest, the passion, the support and all that we have done. I do hope that in a few hours from now, the winners shall be announced and we look forward to all working together as Champions of Quality Education in Africa. Thanks to Ashoka and all the supporting and funding organization for creating this enviable and inspiring platform.
I wish all the best. Raphael
Hard work and commitment is always followed by a reward! Congratulations Teachers without Borders, Nigeria! upon emerging the best in Nigeria and among the best three Champions in Africa in promoting quality education. I hope you will improve on your idea further by cooperating with other partners.
On July 28, 2009 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Champions of Quality Education in Africa” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“I thought that it had a great way of improving the social standing of teachers and their self-esteem. Since there is such low teacher morale, I think it’s good to be able to mobilize teachers and empower them to create a community of teachers. Additionally, the scale that they’ve been able to reach can really translate into a movement, and has the potential for systemic impact. I would like to suggest that the initiative’s leaders formulate a concrete plan for the future so that this initiative can improve and maintain its sustainability.”
“I think keeping teachers motivated, expanding their networks, and building support systems for them is a wonderful approach. I would, however, suggest looking more into linking this mobilization of teachers to results in classrooms. Specifically, I’m curious about this initiative’s impact on teachers and on classroom practices and results.”
“There are ways to make the impact of this initiative even stronger. For professional development, I would enrich their use of the radio. I’ve seen programs where the ability to use internet and radio gives it a fun element that’s also very motivating.”
- Changemakers “Champions of Quality Education in Africa” Judges: Escuela Nueva, Center for International Education at the University of Massachusetts, Valentino Achak Deng Foundation, CARE (United States), African Leadership Academy, UNICEF
Though I don't know you, but I'm really happy and pleased to read about your achievenments. You do a very useful work. The future of the country depends on education. That is why you make an utmost impact on the life of people. I believe it is very nice to realise it. When I read the story it reminded me of one book I read not long ago. It si entitled Pay It Back. If you are interested you'll easily find it at the pdf search engine http://pdf.rapid4me.com or if you have little time you can just watch a movie with the same title. I even don't konw what is better. It is a story of one teacher who made children change the world. The movie and the book are very inspiring.
Comments
Congratulations Raphael upon being recognized and selected among the finalists of the Champions of Quality Education in Africa! There is a shortage of science teachers in Africa and so your success story should help alleviate this challenge and also help spread best practices among teachers in Africa to improve student performance. However, I pray that you network with potential partners to make better your innovation for more to benefit. Congs!
Thanks so much Samuel for congratulating me and for the very constructive remarks that you have made. I am determined to serve as a Champion of Quality Education in Africa and have noted your kind remarks and will use them. Thank you Samuel and let us all work together as champions
It took me time to understand what the TWB is all about, but after attended the workshop in Abuja i see that i have been missing out from where i belong to in rendering selfless service and make the existing environment be a bettter place, by working with teachers to pass accross the good news of TWB.
Kudos to TWB Nigeria and the African Coordinator for doing great job. They should PLEASE keep it up.Since after the workshop, I signed to be a committed member because i have what it takes to deliver the TWB messages.
TWB should always considered for other benefitting projects.
Raphael, congradulations my dear friend. I cannot think of anyone more that deserves to be honored for their hard work than you. You are a gem, a real inspiration and teacher. Keep doing amazing things!!
Dear Haviva,
As the competition comes to a close tonight, I want to thank you so much for your inspiring comments and for all the support that you have given to me and TWB in this effort. Thanks so much again and again.
Raphael
Congratulations! Rapheal on this noble course. Your contributions towards the achievement of the MDGs in Nigeria is highly commendable. Wishing you all the best.
Dear Ambassador Ukpo,
Thank you so much for your kind remarks and for wishing us the best. We shall continue to do our best in the service to our fatherland.
Thank you again and again.
Raphael
Congratulations, Raphael. You are the true champion of Quality Education in Africa, as you have always advocated and worked for education in character and career. I am from East Africa but after spending some years in Nigeria, West Africa and watching very closely your unchanging determination and commitment to education for all and Africa Without Borders, I have casted my vote for you. I have seen and listened to many teachers in Africa including our own National Father, Late Julius Nyerere, but I can say that you are the greatest teacher I have come to know in Africa who is not only teaching some theories but reaching out and saving lives and putting your thoughts into action.
Who else should deserve this recognition than you and Teachers Without Borders that are inspiring teachers people across all borders to become agents of positive change, peace and development. You deserve this recognition and I pray for you and ask others to join me in voting for this man of character and worthy career.
My dearest Bupe,
You have said it all and mine is to say Thank You for being a part of this and for your inspiring words too.
Raphael
I am a Ghanaian living in the United States. I came to know of Mr. Raphael Oko and his accomplishments in Nigeria when I joined Teachers Without Borders. That was when I read about all that he has done and continues to do for teachers and several communities in Nigeria.
As a Ghanaian with a passion to see a change in the quality of education and especially teacher education in sub-Sahara Africa generally, I believe Raphael's accomplishment is a model, not only for Nigerians in Nigeria but for the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa to emulate. Congratulations, Raphael! You are indeed a champion of quality education in Africa and a chanemaker in every respect.
I strongly believe that this man and TWB should be rewarded for their good work in Nigeria so that their excellent job in Nigeria could be replicated throughout the whole of Africa.