‘I was sobbing and Shaking’ recalls London teacher who rebuilt her childhood school

Kids reunite at newly built school. Picture by Liz Akano

Liz Akano, retired teacher and founder of Educate the Children.

Liz Akano a London retired teacher has just returned from Nigeria, her home country where she rebuilt her childhood school. “When I first looked at the school I thought it was abandoned, and what I saw inside as an educator just ripped my heart apart.”

“The school had no doors, no windows, no desks, and the roof was just hanging which was very unsafe”

It was only the next day when Akano witnessed the kids coming to school with a chair over their heads that she decided she couldn’t let it go on. “It was unreal and just very unfair” she recollects.

Upon returning to Canada and while dealing with the loss of her sister, Akano decided she needed a plan. “I didn’t know where to start or what to do. I had never done anything like it”

After much thinking and discussion with her colleagues, Akano decided to start a non-profit called Educate the Children. She then started a fundraiser through the non-profit, in hopes to raise enough money for the new school.

School in Nigeria before Picture by Liz Akano

School in Nigeria after Picture by Liz Akano

Many jumped on board, and even kids wanted to help out. “One girl was always on my mind, Jenna was her name. It was her 7th birthday and she didn’t ask for anything, instead, she chose to donate her money to our cause.”

It took a few years but with the help, support, and persistence of the London community, Akano finally reached her goal.

“As soon as we put a roof in that school, students started going in and you could see the joy in their faces. It blew me away, the whole community came out, and they wanted to be a part of it. ”

“The day before the reopening I spoke to the teachers, and the kids were practicing for a presentation in celebration of the new school.

“Songs, dances, and poems were presented and the students were very excited and beyond themselves,” she added

Now back in Canada Akano says she feels overwhelming gratitude, and is full of joy. She also hopes to continue to support the kids and schools and most importantly that others will follow in her footsteps.

“These children are going to grow up to be leaders of this world, so we need to make sure that every child gets the education they most certainly deserve.”

In recognition of the great work Educate the Children has also been nominated in the Community Organizations category of the 2023 Essence & Culture Awards.

For more information or to donate go to: http://educatethechildren.ca

Liz Akano a London retired teacher has just returned to Canada after reopening her childhood school in Nigeria her home country. A dream she's had for a long time finally accomplished. Read the full story here:https://t.co/sHXSg3GBQY

— Felipe (@Felipe13436267) January 17, 2023