A Little Goes a Long Way: My Visit to Two Schools in Ibadan, Nigeria

Sometimes, it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

A school bag. An exercise book. A pen.

Things many of us don't give a second thought to. But for some children, having these basic essentials can make their school day a little easier and give them the confidence to focus on learning.

I was reminded of this during a recent trip to Ibadan, Nigeria, where I had the opportunity to visit two schools in communities facing significant financial hardship.

And it was an experience that has stayed with me.

Why I Wanted to Give Back

Ibadan is one of Nigeria's largest cities, with a population of millions. But beyond the busy streets and commercial areas are communities where families face very different everyday challenges.

Before my visit, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful.

I wanted to give back to a community where the need was great and where even a relatively small amount of money could make a real difference.

Education felt like the right place to start.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, develop and look forward to their future. And while we can't solve every challenge, we can sometimes help remove a few of the obstacles standing in their way.

Two Schools, and a Lasting Impression

During my visit, I spent time at two schools serving communities with very limited resources.

One of the things that struck me was seeing children arriving at school carrying their belongings in torn carrier bags.

Not proper school bags.

Just whatever they had available to carry their books and supplies.

It was such a simple thing, but it really brought home how easily we can take everyday essentials for granted.

For many families, providing these items isn't necessarily straightforward.

And yet, the children are still turning up, ready to learn.

That stayed with me.

Small Gifts That Can Make a Big Difference

I wanted to provide something practical that the children could use in their everyday education.

We were able to give them:

• School bags to carry their belongings

• Exercise books for their schoolwork

• Pens, pencils and stationery to support their learning

• Other basic school essentials to help them in the classroom

None of these things are extravagant.

But that's precisely the point.

Sometimes, making a difference doesn't require something extraordinary. It starts with recognising a need and doing what you can to help.

A new school bag might seem like a small gift, but it means a child has something of their own to carry to school.

An exercise book gives them somewhere to practise, write and learn.

And having the right stationery means one less thing standing between them and their education.

A Glimmer of Hope

What I took away from this experience wasn't simply the importance of giving.

It was the reminder that every child deserves a chance, regardless of the circumstances they're born into.

I can't pretend that providing school supplies will solve the wider challenges these communities face.

The need is much greater than that.

But I do believe that small acts of kindness matter.

If we can help make a child's school day easier, support their education or offer even a little encouragement, then that is worthwhile.

And sometimes, a small gesture can offer a glimmer of hope.

This Is Just the Beginning

One thing this experience reinforced for me is how much good can be done when we're intentional about giving back.

I'm incredibly grateful to have been able to make this trip and support these two schools.

But I don't want it to end here.

My hope is that we can continue initiatives like this in other communities and other parts of the world.

Different countries. Different needs. The same desire to make a positive difference wherever we can.

At VA Property Sales & Lettings, our day-to-day work is about helping people with their homes and property.

But behind every business are people, and I believe we all have opportunities to contribute beyond our everyday work.

If this trip has taught me anything, it's that you don't always need to do something big to make a difference.

Sometimes, you just need to start.

Venessa Afonja
VA Property Sales & Lettings