A KEYNOTE ADDRESS PRESIDENTED BY MR. ARIKO NAVWOJAH ON THE TOPIC: OLD
STUDENT ASSIOCIACIATION (OSA): THE RATIONALE FOR ITS EXISTENCE -
YESTERDAY AND TODAY ON THE OCASSION OF EGSOSA EASTER MEETING.
20th April, 2014.
www.egsosa.blogspot.com
Introduction
We are gathered here today to midwife the birth of an old student association for our Alma matar. What we do not know for sure is how many such attempts at bringing this association into existence got aborted in their infancy. For a school that was founded over three decades ago, this is not unlikely. It is in the light of this that we need to answer a basic question from the onset of this journey to ensure that we do not go the way of others who tried before us.
WHY DO WE NEED AN OLD STUDENT ASSIOCIACIATION?
From this key question, several related questions arise:
a. Given that I have completed my studies here and obtained my certificate, why do I need to burden myself with such an association?
b. What do I stand to gain from belonging?
c. What can I offer as a member?
Let us attempt some answers to question a-c above.
The Latin phrase “alma matar” (our mother) very aptly describes our relationship with our old school. Just like your mother, your old school for five or six years (as the case maybe) grew and nurtured you through a complex network of teachers, fellow students, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, infrastructures/facilities and various learning situations/experiences, it molded and formed you. Whatever was added by your higher institution is only icing on the cake. The real foundation of the person who you are today was laid by your secondary school. So the question again- do you think you should give back to this institution that gave you so much?
How if your answer to this question is YES, then you have something to offer to your old school to make it a better place for future generations. Have you consider working with other old students association, government, parent-teachers-association, non governmental organisations, companies in the neighbourhoods, banks, international organisations, community and other critical stakeholders in the education sector in providing the following for the growth and development of the school?
a. Buildings, laboratories, library, science/technology materials, state of the art computers, etc.
b. Provision of manpower (teaching/non-teaching)/ capacity building.
c. Provision of sports equipment and sponsoring of sports fiestas.
d. Organization of quiz, debates, competitions, shows etc. for the intellectual development of the students.
The list is endless
The last question that we need to answer now and which I believe is of paramount importance for some of us here is, in all these, what do I stand to gain? Before getting down to the nitty-gritty, let me very quickly remind us that gains comes in two forms, intrinsic and extrinsic; and both of them are possible and attainable if you devote your time as an old student to working for the association. Trust me; I have put in 27 years in the service of my old student association.
Let’s quickly itemize some of the benefits:
I. Creates room for formation of life-long beneficial relationships
II. Offers opportunities for assistance in times of difficulty.
III. Provides business/employment opportunity.
IV. Opens a network of important connections in various spheres of life.
V. Gives you a voice in the affairs of your old school.
Again the list is endless.
Let me conclude this talk by telling you something that I have repeatedly told my fellow SACOSANS (SACOSA – St Ambrose’s College Usiefrun Old students Association): “to move our old school to a greater height is a task that must be done”. Today you are starting out on a journey, so I say to you safe journey and God’s guidance EGSOSA (Ekiugbo grammar school old students association)
20th April, 2014.
www.egsosa.blogspot.com
We are gathered here today to midwife the birth of an old student association for our Alma matar. What we do not know for sure is how many such attempts at bringing this association into existence got aborted in their infancy. For a school that was founded over three decades ago, this is not unlikely. It is in the light of this that we need to answer a basic question from the onset of this journey to ensure that we do not go the way of others who tried before us.
WHY DO WE NEED AN OLD STUDENT ASSIOCIACIATION?
From this key question, several related questions arise:
a. Given that I have completed my studies here and obtained my certificate, why do I need to burden myself with such an association?
b. What do I stand to gain from belonging?
c. What can I offer as a member?
Let us attempt some answers to question a-c above.
The Latin phrase “alma matar” (our mother) very aptly describes our relationship with our old school. Just like your mother, your old school for five or six years (as the case maybe) grew and nurtured you through a complex network of teachers, fellow students, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, infrastructures/facilities and various learning situations/experiences, it molded and formed you. Whatever was added by your higher institution is only icing on the cake. The real foundation of the person who you are today was laid by your secondary school. So the question again- do you think you should give back to this institution that gave you so much?
How if your answer to this question is YES, then you have something to offer to your old school to make it a better place for future generations. Have you consider working with other old students association, government, parent-teachers-association, non governmental organisations, companies in the neighbourhoods, banks, international organisations, community and other critical stakeholders in the education sector in providing the following for the growth and development of the school?
a. Buildings, laboratories, library, science/technology materials, state of the art computers, etc.
b. Provision of manpower (teaching/non-teaching)/ capacity building.
c. Provision of sports equipment and sponsoring of sports fiestas.
d. Organization of quiz, debates, competitions, shows etc. for the intellectual development of the students.
The list is endless
The last question that we need to answer now and which I believe is of paramount importance for some of us here is, in all these, what do I stand to gain? Before getting down to the nitty-gritty, let me very quickly remind us that gains comes in two forms, intrinsic and extrinsic; and both of them are possible and attainable if you devote your time as an old student to working for the association. Trust me; I have put in 27 years in the service of my old student association.
Let’s quickly itemize some of the benefits:
I. Creates room for formation of life-long beneficial relationships
II. Offers opportunities for assistance in times of difficulty.
III. Provides business/employment opportunity.
IV. Opens a network of important connections in various spheres of life.
V. Gives you a voice in the affairs of your old school.
Again the list is endless.
Let me conclude this talk by telling you something that I have repeatedly told my fellow SACOSANS (SACOSA – St Ambrose’s College Usiefrun Old students Association): “to move our old school to a greater height is a task that must be done”. Today you are starting out on a journey, so I say to you safe journey and God’s guidance EGSOSA (Ekiugbo grammar school old students association)
