Bridge Holds Orientation Session for Graduating Pupils.

By Funmi Ogundare

Bridge Nigeria, recently held a special orientation programme to educate its 2020/2021 graduating pupils on the changes that come with being in secondary school.

The management shared insights on the qualities needed to succeed as they transition through the learning continuum.

The programme tagged, ‘Leaving for Secondary School: Developing Self Responsibility, Character and Excellence’, will help prepare the pupils for the expected experiences in secondary school. The session exposed them to changes such as teaching methodology and learning environment, physical development, social, peer and cultural pressure, social vices and misdemeanour, meeting people from diverse backgrounds and making new friends.

Speaking at the programme held for Bridge pupils in Ikorodu, the facilitator, Mrs. Amina Lawal noted that transitioning into secondary schools often comes with challenges and changes for all children; hence, the need for adaptability and independence especially for those going into boarding schools, and those leaving for largely populated state-owned schools.

She told the pupils to remember that changes are part of life, adding that the ability to prepare for changes in life will give them an edge over others who may not be prepared.

She emphasised the need for pupils to be self-reliant and take responsibility as they would have less monitoring by parents, teachers and other adults.

“The characteristics of resilience and a can-do spirit are required to keep you focused amidst several distractions and peer pressure in secondary school. As much as self responsibility is required, a needed characteristic for success is interdependence and being able to work with others to achieve a set goal without being exposed to wrong influences,” Lawal stressed.

The overall best pupil in the 2019/2020 academic year, Shiji Sowemimo was a special guest at the programme.

Sowemimo who is currently in JSS one recalled how the learnings and experiences at Bridge have propelled him to continue to excel and break boundaries even in his secondary school.

He urged all Bridge pupils to continue to be worthy ambassadors of the school as they continue their academic pursuits, adding that they should remain focused, dream big, be resourceful, plan to succeed and never get tired of making a difference.

“I am privileged to stand before you to share my experiences and successes with you, this is only possible because of the support I have received from my mother, teachers and level of hardwork and dedication I have put into my studies.”