The journey so far!

“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and

  seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.”

Exodus 15:27 (NIV)

Life is a journey. A journey that begins and ends with God who through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made! The children of Israel journeyed from Egypt and came to Elim! A place of fullness, strength, rest, refreshment and renewal.

So how did ELIM Christian Academy (ECA) journey begin? How did a trained scientist end up in the classroom?  Definitely God wrote the script and directed the play which is only at the opening stages of the act! It so happened that the scientist was privilege to have as a father, a trained teacher who won several awards during his teaching career. Although that was not strong enough to sway her in the direction of education initially, it must have played a huge part in setting the stage for what later happened.

The word of God makes it very clear that children are a gift from the Lord and as parents, we must bring them up in the way of the Lord. Getting married and having children reinforced the need for a sound educational foundation for the children better than what we were exposed to. As the children grew up, the desire to ensure that this dream materialized became stronger, hence the search for a school that met the expectation.

The itinerant ministry of my husband made it more challenging to achieve this dream giving the demanding nature of my work as a scientist. My husband and I then decided that I focus on investing my time more on helping the children to become hence laying down my occupation as Haematologist in pursuit of a higher calling. My invitation to teach came in the course of the continued search for the school of our dream for the children.

I remember how nervous I was at the time, attending an interview to teach without any teaching qualification! My husband assured me that teaching for me was a calling and not a job. “Some are trained to teach while some are born to teach” he said reassuringly.

From learning to write lesson plans, teaching the pupils, obtaining a PGD in Education, improving the quality of my delivery, serving as head of primary section, serving as pioneer head teacher in two different schools, I found myself asking the Lord what do I need to do differently after 15 solid years in the educational system. I had previously taught in schools that belonged to a church or Christians, but not exposed to the use of a Christian curriculum to teach the pupils.

ELIM Christian Academy (ECA) journey began as a response to this aspiration to deliver a curriculum that creates a Christ-centred learning experience for pupils and prepare them to pursue spiritual, academic, social and physical excellence based on biblical truth.

I knew intuitively that ECA was not meant to be like any other school I had led in the past, but with God and the unwavering support of my dear husband and family, I was willing and committed to take up the challenge of a new task! Ps 19:7-11 provided a clearer perspective on the important role the Word of God was going to play in achieving the vision of ECA.

 

Adverts were made to create awareness and with the stage set, 6 teaching staff, 2 support staff, 1 volunteer staff and curriculum to help achieve the vision in place, the school began with 16 pupils on Wednesday, 14th September, 2016.

One of the many fantastic deliverables at ECA is the daily Bible studies which involves songs, prayers, doctrinal drill, memory verses, and Bible teaching presented as a narrative with colourful visuals. This appropriately and inevitably sets the tone for the day’s academic activities which are intense, rigorous, and engaging.

Because people are what they read, ECA pupils are regularly loaded with interesting and engaging reading materials that teach valuable principles that can be applied daily.

At ECA, Mathematics is taught in style! We use attractive materials teaching mathematical facts as part of truth and order, built into the universe created by our loving God.

The English curriculum is made up of language and communication. This includes the teaching of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, composition and literature. We use materials that teach rules as well as improve the child’s ability (with practice), aimed at mastery.

Fun play and other exciting indoor and outdoor activities are not left out at ECA! Pupils go for excursions (which combines educational theme with adventure) at least once a term.

Our vision is to present Jesus Christ in all subjects in order to inspire and equip students to grow up impacting other students and society. By the grace of God, we are on course!

We are steadily increasing in number and experiencing the desired growth in our pupils’ character. Our commitment at ECA is to surpass your expectation with respect to your dream for your child/children. To every parent that has given us the trust of their children, we want to let you know that on a daily basis, we commit them to God and to the word of His grace, which will keep them and give them an inheritance among those that are sanctified.

Sure, the journey of your children will continue beyond their time at ECA. Our prayer is that ECA will make an invaluable contribution to the fulfilment of the purpose of God for their lives on their journey to greatness!

Acknowledgements with gratitude -

The Lord, the Sustainer, the giver of the dream, passion, strength, resources and all, ECA journey continues with YOU….

Kehinde, my dear husband, who allows me to express my desires by providing unflinching support in every way and everything: spiritual, emotional, financial, time and love. I love you more than you know!

Samuel, David & Deborah, our children who have given in more ways than you can imagine.

Our family near and far, May the Lord bless and reward you.

Staff of ECA – Smart, diligent, conscientious, loving and dynamic team. You are always striving to do and be better each day. I appreciate all of your effort. God bless you

Pupils and Parents of ECA – You are the best!

We look ahead with utmost assurance that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Stay blessed

Adeola O Ojo (Mrs)

Head of School