Community service is at the core of the education students receive from the American University of Nigeria. As a Development University, AUN promotes a learning experience that connects students to the challenges and prospects of their immediate community. By participating in the weekly community service activities, AUN students develop a lifelong commitment to serving humanity and a sense of civic engagement, which they take away to the larger society. As every journey begins with a first step, newly enrolled students in the Fall 2022 semester opened their community service account on Saturday, August 27. They were at the Police Children Primary School in Mopol Barrack, Mbamba, Yola, where they repainted a block of eight classrooms. It was their first involvement in what will ultimately become their weekly routine of fun, hard work, and service to the community.
Although many students had never been involved in such an activity, they approached their task with excitement and chatty fun. The inside classroom walls were repainted in green-yellow Crayola, while the outside was recoated in green-blue Crayola, giving the classroom blocks a refreshingly bright and adorable look and feel.
On the ground to guide and motivate the students was the Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Student Affairs, Byron Bullock, the man they will lean on most on the campus for guidance, motivation, and emotional support. Dean Byron, who could not hide his satisfaction with the efforts of his newest wards, spoke glowingly of how important it is for young people to appreciate that good deeds in the community empowers them to develop self-esteem, relevance, and a sense of mission in life.
"We are glad to be of service to our community and to teach our students that service is an important aspect of their education here at AUN," Dean Byron said.
The students also were delighted with their contribution. They took selfies and shared them on their social media pages. Being an outdoor event created an atmosphere for social interaction and bonding.
Accounting major, Dahiru Shehu, described his experience as full-filled, where he made new friends.
Mahmud Hammanjoda Rufai, an Economics major, was no less thrilled. "The painting was really interesting. It is my first time doing this and I enjoyed it. I will love to do it again in the future". He will get many more opportunities.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Mallum, expressed gratitude to the students of AUN for painting his block of classrooms, describing their work as fantastic. "I have never seen this level of humanitarian gesture before, and it will serve as a legacy for AUN, my school, and the local community."
Report and Photograph by Chiedozie Joseph