We had rounded off the commissioning of the SELI educational playground at COCIN Academy, Jos.
I was done talking to the School Board in the Lead Pastor’s office, then proceeded to answer a call outside and check our work tools in the store we had used.
As I left the store heading towards the educational playground area, over 20 pupils saw me approaching, and they all sprinted towards me with an excitement I couldn’t fathom. I was wondering if something was wrong until they suddenly enveloped me in an embrace.
A very warm embrace. Everyone struggled to have a hold of me that I almost lost balance with my stiletto.
They were all chanting, “Thank you, Aunty Esther.” And you could see they meant it.
Oh Goodness.
That very act melted my heart.
It showed me, in the purest and most unrivalled form, the impact of the work we had just concluded in the school.
It unlocked a deeper resolve within me to strive more, to reach more, to ensure that many more pupils across Nigeria have access to free educational playgrounds.
It showed how much this meant to the kids. And the possibilities that abound for other children in underserved communities.
It showed me how they will build pleasant memories. Hopefully, school may never be boring again.
All because of an educational playground.
Most importantly, it showed me the power of gratitude.
I don’t know if they were prompted by a teacher to come show such gratitude, or if they acted on their own.
Whatever it is, that gesture sealed something deep in me.
It is this: that we are grateful beings. And that gratitude unlocks deeper levels of access.
That when you have nothing to give/contribute, you can give gratitude. Sincere one.
Their simple act also taught me that children are not too young to recognise value, to express appreciation, and to respond to kindness.
It showed that when we do good, we may not always get formal rewards, but the responses of the people we serve, especially children, can become the most sacred reward of all.
It reminded me that we must model and teach children to give thanks, to acknowledge kindness, and to carry hearts that remember. Because those who remember grow into adults who honour.
It also showed me that joy is contagious.
Their cheerfulness became mine. That moment was a reminder that service is not just about what we give, but also about what we receive: joy and renewed purpose.
They didn’t bring a gift, but they gave me something priceless: a thank you that came from the depths of their hearts.
It showed me that though people may not contribute anything material to you, their gratitude can carry the weight of what even lavish gifts may fail to offer.
Most importantly, it reminded me that gratitude, when offered sincerely, becomes a language of the heart.
That day, those children did not just thank me; they reminded me that our smallest acts of service, when done in love, are not lost on the hearts of children.
See enh, let’s teach our children to say thank you.
Let’s model it too.
Because gratitude, when nurtured early, grows into a lifestyle of honour, kindness, and deeper connection.
Let’s build hearts that remember. Lips that appreciate. And souls that never forget.
I tell you, their embrace was more than appreciation. It was a quiet, soul-stirring reminder that our SELI educational Playgrounds are shaping futures —one educational playground at a time.
I am Aunty Esther. Among other things, I build low-cost educational playgrounds for schoolchildren in Nigeria.
I am grateful. What are you grateful for today?
Yours in Gratitude,
