Press Releases |
||
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: 26 March 2008 SUBJECT: Hovensa Manager Brings Learning to Life for Good Hope Third Grade Students
Today, Good Hope Third Grade teachers, Mrs. Karen “Ditty” Layton, and Dr. Pamela Kimble welcomed Mr. Chuck Amalu to share his life and culture with their classes. Mr. Amalu, an assistant manager for Hovensa LLC's Area Two, presented his Nigerian homeland culture to over 20 students. The presentation reinforced the students' recent exploration of African studies. Mr. Amalu, who was adorned in a dashiki which was his actual wedding dress, began his lesson by explaining the symbolism of naming children in his African culture. His name, coming from the African phrase, God is mightier than a native doctor, was given after his mother struggled in childbirth. The students enjoyed comparisons made to their community, education, and environment. They were surprised to learn that, similar to their lives on St. Croix, the weather, tropical plants, and love of soccer was shared by Mr. Amalu's youth. The discussion on differences began a round of thought provoking questions especially around wildlife. Mr. Amalu described to the students that in order for him and his friends to go swimming they had the responsibility of cutting branches from trees to simultaneously pound the water to scare the crocodiles away. The students also were interested in Mr. Amalu's comparison of diets. While our diet contains a few primary meats he stated the Nigerian diets are far broader, incorporating many other animals and insects. The students laughed when he challenge that they might mistake roasted termites for peanuts if they ever tried them. Although Nigeria is the seventh largest country on the continent of Africa it is the most populous country, with over 100 million people. Great Britain ruled Nigeria from 1900 until 1960. This fact was shared when Mr. Amalu described his education to the students. He explained that his education had been given in the English language only and that the various tribal languages, over 250 different dialects, were suppressed in the educational system during the time of colonization. In Nigeria, birth records are not kept in rural areas and often a person is considered as being in an age group rather than knowing the certain year of birth. Mr. Amalu was not certain of his exact age. He explained further that to enter into school a child must be able to reach with one arm over their head and touch the opposite ear. This cannot be physically done until a child reached five years of life so it was used as a milestone for educators to admit students to school. After a quick light hearted demonstration it was confirmed all the third grade students indeed were over the age of five. The lesson ended with Nigerian dancing by the entire group and gifts from Hovensa to the students. Mr. Amalu has worked for Hovensa LLC for 12 years and holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wyoming . He is married and has two children who attend The Good Hope School. ###
|
||
