As I reflect on my journey as a rural educator, one question often arises: What motivated me to embark on this path? The answer lies in my deep passion for children, particularly those from low-income families, and my love for adventure. Today, I would like to share an experience that reaffirmed my choice of being an educator in a rural area and shed light on the unique challenges I have faced along the way.                         

Reaffirmation of Choice:

There was a moment in my career when I witnessed the transformative power of education in a rural community. Last year, I had the opportunity to share the importance of computer literacy with students from another school. As I introduced them to the world of technology, their eyes sparkled with curiosity and enthusiasm. Witnessing their eagerness to learn and grow, I knew I had made the right decision to be an educator in a rural setting. That experience reinforced my belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Unique Challenges Faced:

As a rural educator, I have encountered both the attitudes of parents and children towards education and moral development. Some parents may have limited exposure to the benefits of education or face numerous challenges in their own lives, which can impact their involvement in their child’s education. Similarly, some children may lack motivation or struggle with self-confidence due to societal and economic factors. Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach.

Overcoming Challenges:

At Bramble Learning Network, where I serve as a catalyst, we have implemented various strategies to address these challenges. For the children, we have established a morning meeting called “family meeting,” where we discuss accepted societal values. Additionally, we have a mentoring program, enabling each catalyst to have one-on-one sessions with their mentees to monitor their learning progress and provide guidance to address any character issues.

To engage parents, we inject programs during social gatherings that focus on providing information and fostering the right attitude towards their children’s development. By actively involving parents in their child’s education, we create a strong partnership and support system that benefits the entire community.

Innovative Teaching Strategies:

To engage learners in a rural setting, I have employed project-based learning. This approach allows learners to work collaboratively or individually on projects that enhance real-world learning. By connecting education to practical applications, learners become active participants in their own learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Building Relationships and Support Systems:

Building strong relationships with learners, their families, and the local community is vital in a rural setting. Through mentorship platforms and their engagement, I establish a sense of trust, care, and understanding. By creating a welcoming and interactive learning atmosphere, I foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for learners who may feel isolated due to the rural location.

Advantages and Strengths:

Being a rural educator comes with its unique advantages. One notable strength is the ability to adapt quickly to the educational needs of children from urban areas if they transition to a rural setting. As a rural educator, I find that I am well-equipped to provide holistic education that considers both academic and personal development.

To anyone considering a career as a rural educator, I offer this advice: See it as a calling, not just a profession. Embrace the opportunity to empower and encourage children from low-income families to achieve their full potential. Remember that every small step you take can make a significant impact on the lives of these students, their families, and the entire rural community. 

About The Educator

Mr. Opeyemi Okunade is an accomplished educator, with several years of experience in the field of alternative learning. He currently works at Bramble Learning Space, a dynamic and innovative organization that focuses on reaching out to children in rural communities and providing them with high-quality educational resources.

Mr. Okunade is known for his exceptional teaching skills and his commitment to helping learners of all backgrounds succeed. He is a tech-savvy professional who has a deep understanding of how technology can be used to support learning and to bridge the digital divide.

In his role at Bramble Learning Space, Mr. Okunade is responsible for developing and delivering engaging and interactive learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of learners. He is passionate about empowering learners to achieve their full potential and he works tirelessly to ensure that every learner receives the support they need to succeed.