An Interview with Benedicta C. Apuamah; 2020 Nigerian Young Changemaker Awardee

 

Chinechendo's blog: Good day dear Benedicta, welcome to Chinechendo's blog, hope we meet you well. We will like to know few things about your NGO-Girls for Development Goals Foundation and Cofounder of Benny & Freddy Limited. We will be glad if you give us the consent to go on with our interview.

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: Good day, all is well, you can go on with the interview.

Chinechendo's blog: Ok, thanks

Chinechendo's blog: Dear Benedicta, what inspired your decision to set up your NGO?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: I was privileged to attend an all-girls boarding school in Warri, Delta State and on my return home (Obiaruku), I realized that some of my classmates/schoolmates were not the same. It's either they're pregnant and dropped out of school or just constituting a nuisance in the community. I became concerned, angry as well.

I began thinking about it, I believed that the counseling and guidance I was getting in school was helping me make the right decision so after I finished from the University, I decided to do something about it.

I remember I would take courses on the YALI Network platform online and then go to Secondary Schools to share with them what I had learned and the need to "dream big". So that's how I started. I didn't even know the meaning of NGO then, I didn't know what I was doing was " NGO", I just wanted a change in my community, I wanted young people to have something to look forward to. Something to spur them to do better.

 

Chinechendo's blog: Can I meet you

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: I am Benedicta Chukwuyem Apuamah (Uweru), a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree Holder from Delta State University. I am the founder, Girls for Development Goals Foundation and Cofounder of Benny & Freddy Limited.

I have partaken of over 6 social-impact programs representing Nigeria in West & East Africa, Europe and South-America. These programs range from Chairing Model UN Conferences to High-level meetings.

I have a dream of working with the United Nations in the near future. I am ambitious obviously,  hardworking and friendly, I believe in building networks.

Chinechendo's blog: I hope it's not for the monetary gains?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: I started out of sheer passion to make an impact without even knowing the financial implications.  Now I know that bills have to be paid for more impact to be done. Volunteers need to be motivated and even staffs need to be paid. This is not for the monetary gains but of course we need money to get things done.

 

Chinechendo's blog: How long have you been into it

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: I started in 2016, December to be precise just after I graduated from the School of Pharmacy, we operated with the name "Girls Health and EducationFoundation . But we got registered with CAC in December 2019 as Girls for Development Goals Foundation.

 

Chinechendo's blog: Who are your Target audience

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: My target audience is teenage girls, youths especially young women

 

Chinechendo's blog: Any challenges so far?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: Yes there have been challenges. Part of the problem is because there are so many people who are siphoning money with the guise of running an NGO hence making it difficult sometimes for honest and passionate founders like myself to work. People were afraid to give/partner because of their past experience so my team and I had to work extra hard to prove our authenticity.

 

Chinechendo's blog: Who is behind the funding

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: We have not received any grants till date. We initially started with our savings and finances, support from concerned individuals, family, and friends. Now we get support from individuals from time to time who have seen the track record of our work and impact and we believe this would improve with time.

 

Chinechendo's blog: What is your plan for the project

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: Our plan is to grow our projects to the point that they can be run and coordinated well in my absence. We have already begun but there's still work to be done.

Currently, we have our Bloody Cup Campaign and Survey Project running in 6 States in Nigeria with 6 Community Based Organizations as implementing partners. These 6 States are representatives of the 6 geopolitical zones; Delta, Enugu, Lagos, Abuja, Kebbi and Adamawa.

The Bloody Cup Campaign/ Survey is in partnership with OrganiCup Menstrual Cups which is a modern period product. So we're distributing these cups to young women and then we follow them up to see if this is something they would like to use on the long run. The outcome so far has been encouraging, we shall be analyzing the survey questions soon and we shall definitely share our findings with you all.

 

Chinechendo's blog: Your plan for the future?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: I already shared some of these in the previous question. We want to grow to be independent, run projects, work with local and external donors. We are also working on our startup company, Benny & Freddy Limited where as we stabilize, a percentage of our income will go into the running of our NGO's project. So we're doing a lot underground and really soon, you'd be hearing from us.

Chinechendo's blog: Any regrets so far?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: None none at all. We are grateful for the mistakes we've made a long the way, we have learned from them and they have helped us become better and stronger today.

 

Chinechendo's blog: Your advice?

Benedicta Uweru Apuamah: When you have a dream, chase it hard, this is like my own mantra. It's okay to get tired and walk away but after a while comeback, wipe the tears and hurt and continue working and before you know it, you'd have the attention of your world... You can do it! For the teenage girls and even boys, your education is the best thing you can give to yourself at this stage of your life. Take it seriously, embed yourself in it, get the best out of it and then build on it.

Chinechendo's blog: Thanks for your time with us, do have a nice day.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE SEX WITH HIM!

Dear single sisters, this truth will help you so well. Having sex with the guy you're in a relationship with will actually cause you more problems than it does to the guy.

Firstly, once you start having sex with him, his trust for you reduces drastically. That's why sometimes he calls you and when you didn't pick he gets mad at you. because in his mind he thinks you had gone out with another man. He won't tell you this, but that's the truth.

Secondly, once you start having sex with him, in his mind he believes he has finish seeing your nakedness and his value for you will start depreciating seriously. He won't say it, but that's the truth.

Thirdly, once you start having sex with him, you may notice that you have become the one pushing the relationship now more and no longer him. You are the one that do more of the calls and all that, which is not how it should be.

Fourthly, a man you are constantly having sex with obviously has taken a whole part of you and that will affect your sense of reasoning. This is why a girl will be in an abusive relationship instead of her to quit, she is busy praying and hoping that the guy who proven to be a monster will change. It is simply that way because your sense of reasoning has been badly destroyed that you can't Perceive danger anymore.

Having sex with your guy before marriage is not good, IT IS ALL BAD AND AGAINST YOU WOMAN.

Remember your guy will not tell you all this, but that is the TRUTH.

Sex is sweet, very sweet, but it is worth waiting for.

BE WISE SISTER, BE WISE.

WONDERFUL CHILD

 This got me laughing!....

 Why I Will Never Teach Pre-School Kids Again!

At the creche where I work, there is a little girl named Vicky. She is so cute and sweet. Yesterday, just before knocking off, I found her busy, trying to put on her shoes. I approached her, and offered to help her. It was such a torrid time. The boots seamed to be smaller than her size. It took me 5 minutes to help her wear them. When we were done, after making a steps away from her, she called me said "Teacher, you made me wear banana". When I looked at her shoes, to my embarrassment, I realised I had misplaced her shoes - the banana style. Upon trying to take off the shoes again, it took me 3 minutes. After struggling so much I eventually managed to remove them and tried putting them on again, this time the correct way. However, it was more difficult than the first time. When I finished, she said: "Teacher, these shoes are not mine!" I really got angry, but since I work with little kids, I had to be patient and control my anger. I struggled to remove the shoes. I then asked Vicky where her own shoes were and this is what she said: 

"These shoes belong to my sister, my mum is the one who made me wear them in the morning today". This time I boiled in anger. But since I always do my job perfectly and wholeheartedly, I helped her to put on the shoes again. When we were done, Vicky pulled another shocker, yet again. "What about the socks, teacher?" she asked. I wondered whether I should laugh or cry. Politely and swiftly I asked her, "Where are the socks Vicky?" She innocently replied: "I shoved them in my shoes, they are in front of my toes" 

I Simply Resigned!

- Unknown

A GOOD WOMAN.

A GOOD WOMAN, MAKES A GOOD WIFE AND A GOOD WIFE BECOMES A GOOD MOTHER. A GOOD MOTHER GIVES BIRTH TO A GOOD CHILD. IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOOD WOMAN, WIFE AND MOTHER, EMULATE THESE STEPS BELOW:

1). Never raise your voice for any reason to your husband. Its a sign of disrespect.

2). Don't expose your husband's weaknesses to your family and friends. It will bounce back at you. You are each other's keeper.

3). Never use attitudes and moods to communicate to your husband, you never know how your husband will interpret them. Defensive women don't have a happy home.

4). Never compare your husband to other men, you've no idea what their life is all about. If you attack his Ego, his Love for you will diminish.

5). Never ill treat your husband's friends because you don't like them, the person who's supposed to get rid of them is your husband.

6). Never forget that your husband married you, not your maid or anyone else. Do your duties.

7). Never assign anyone to give attention to your husband, people may do everything else but your husband is your own responsibility.

8). Never blame your husband if he comes back home empty handed. Rather encourage him.

9). Never be a wasteful wife, your husband's sweat is too precious to be wasted.

10). Never pretend to be sick for the purpose of denying your husband's right. You must give it to him how he wants it. It's very important to Men, if you keep denying him, it is a matter of time before another woman takes over that duty (even the anointed

ones)

11). Never compare your husband to your one time Ex-lover. Your home may Never recover from it if you do.

12). Never answer for your husband in public opinion polls, let him handle what is directed to him although he may answer for you in public opinion polls.

13). Never shout or challenge your husband in front of children. Wise Women don't do that.

14). Don't forget to check the smartness of your husband before he checks out.

26 LIFE PRINCIPLES YOU CAN EXPLORE FOR A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR*

 26 LIFE PRINCIPLES YOU CAN EXPLORE FOR A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR*

*A*

*ACCEPT*

Accept others for

who they are and

for the choices they

have made even if

you have difficulty

understanding their

beliefs, motives

or actions.

*B*

*BREAK AWAY*

Break away from

everything that

stands in the way

of what you hope

to accomplish

with your life.

*C*

*CREATE*

Create a family

of friends whom

you can share your

hopes, dreams,

sorrows, and

happiness together.

*D*

*DECIDE*

Decide that you’ll be

successful *&* happy

come what may, and

good things will find

you. The roadblocks

are only minor

obstacles along

the way.

*E*

*EXPLORE*

Explore & experiment.

The world has much

to offer, and you

have much to give.

And every time you

try something new,

you’ll learn more

about yourself.

*F*

*FORGIVE*

Grudges only weigh

you down and inspire

unhappiness *&* grief.

Soar above it, and

remember that

everyone makes

mistakes.

*G*

*GROW*

Leave the childhood

monsters behind. They

can no longer hurt you

or stand in your way.

*H*

*HOPE*

Hope for the best

and never forget that

anything is possible

as long as you remain

dedicated to the task.

*I*

*IGNORE*

Ignore the negative

voice inside your head.

Focus instead on your

goals and remember

your accomplishments.

Your past success is only

a small inkling of what

the future holds.

*J*

*JOURNEY*

Journey to new worlds,

new possibilities, is

mostly by remaining

open-minded.

Try to learn something

new every day and you

will grow in Knowledge.

*K*

*KNOW*

Know that no matter

how bad things seem,

to be they will always

get better.

The harshest Winter

always follows the

Warmth of Spring.

*L*

*L*

*LOVE*

Let love fill your

heart instead of hate.

When hate is in your

heart, there is *NO* room

for anything else,

but when love is in

your heart, there’s

room for endless

happiness.

*M*

*MANAGE*

Manage your time and

your expenses wisely,

and you’ll suffer less

stress and worry.

Then you’ll be able to

focus on the important

things in life.

*N*

*NOTICE*

Never ignore the poor,

infirm, helpless, weak,

or suffering people.

Offer your assistance

when possible, and

always your kindness

and understanding.

*O*

*OPEN*

Open your eyes and

take in all the beauty

around you.

Even during the

worst of times,

there’s still much

to be thankful for.

*P*

*PLAY*

Never forget to have

fun along the way.

Success means nothing

without happiness.

*Q*

*QUESTION*

Ask many questions,

because you are here

to learn & be informed.

*R*

*RELAX*

Refuse to let worry

and stress rule your

Life, and remember

that things always

have a way of working

out in the end.

*S*

*SHARE*

Share your talent,

skills, knowledge,

and time with others.

Everything that you

invest in others will

return to you many

times Multiplied.

*T*

*TRY*

Even when your

dreams seem

impossible to reach,

try anyway. You’ll be

amazed by what you

can accomplish.

*U*

*USE*

Use your gifts to

your best ability.

Talent that is wasted

has no value. Talent

that is made into

efforts will bring

unexpected rewards.

*V*

*VALUE*

Value the friends and

family members who

have supported and

encouraged you *&* be

there for them as well.

*W*

*WORK*

Work hard every day

to be the best person

you aspire to be, but

never feel guilty if you

fall short of your goals.

Every *sunrise* offers

a second chance.

*X*

*X-RAY*

Look deep inside the

hearts of those around

you and you will see

the goodness and

beauty within.

*Y*

*YIELD*

Yield to commitment.

If you stay on track

and remain dedicated,

you will find success

at the end of the road.

*Z*

*ZOOM*

Zoom to a happy

place when bad

memories or sorrow

rears its ugly head.

Let nothing interfere

with your goals.

Instead, focus on

your abilities, in

your dreams, and

a brighter tomorrow.

Wishing you a fulfilled 2021

MARRIAGE IS NOT A SCAM.

 MARRIAGE IS NOT A SCAM.

Marriage is much more than for the gram, or for prewedding Pictures and social media clout. It is a whole humbling process. You must get the foundation right or regret it. Many young people get swayed by frivolities and end up with the devil. Some see the signs but will still go ahead and marry hoping they will Change. Marriage is not beautiful by default. It is like an empty box. The love, peace, effective communication and maturity comes from the both of you, and that's why the most important factor is not just having the right person, but also being the right person.

I get tired of young unserious people who get into relationship for material/sexual gratification and then come out to shout about how marriage is rubbish. If you marry the wrong person, you have Part of the blame. Yes, You don't have to stay but accept your part. This applies to both gender (male & female). Women will marry a man who is clearly toxic for whatever reason: money, sexual prowess or social class. Men will marry women for even money, Beauty, and two months later you're on social media shouting marriage is a scam, love is a scam, this is a this and that is a that. No, you didn't have sense.

Love or marriage is not a scam. Take the responsibility that you married the wrong person. The pain of marrying the wrong person is worse than your present fear of getting too old before marriage. Some of you jump into marriage without getting to know the person. In dating, you were busy just having sex, going to eateries, taking photos, sleeping over, doing laundries, chatting and asking yourselves 'Have you eaten' 20times a day. It is your fault!