Contd from Yesterday
A drone Footage of Makoko; Credit- TheGuardian
To those who has been given few, much is required!
This line always rings in my head after Steem upgraded me, so going into a slum never bothers me, riding a local Canoe did not frighten me. But what does shook me was the Slum thugs who came out in Masses upon seeing Me and my Team, @steem-lagos and Steemit formal logo was boldly crested on our tops so these ghetto hoodlums thought we are from a very wealthy company or Organization. They threatened to take our gifts to the school we planned to visit and also wants to send us back without accomplishing our mission.
They took the whole money we had on us, rented a local canoe for us and appointed two of their comrades to paddle us to the Floating school. Safe passage was with no casualities is what i prayed for since the inception of the project and we got it, all the money taken we hope Steemit return sooner or later.
Makoko' s population Estimate varies widely from 40,000 to above 300,000. "No one knows" because of the absence of Credible data- Monika Umunna, Heinrich Boll Foundation.
The state Government somewhat neglected the inhabitants of this floating ghetto, hygenically it is zero and their means of portable water is appalling. I asked our tour guides where the water comes from but with a shrug they waived it.
Can steem Get these souls a Borehole?
OUR TARGET, THE FLOATING SCHOOL
Image Credit;TheGuardian
My team @steem-lagos spent about an hour on the local row boat before getting to our destination.
Education is one of the tools to change the World, even in a floating slum like Makoko, education still remains a cogent part of their existence. I and my team knew this and wr have made research weeks before going into Makoko.
Only two Schools exist in Makoko, just two Elementary schools- no high school.
The floating school and Whaniyinna Nursery and primary School founded im 2008 and owned by the same man, the Chief's younger Brother.
A 6th Grader Paddling his way home from School
Our target was the completely floating school, which 5th and 6th Graders use. Unfortunately it had collapsed due to an Hurricane some times last year, so the two schools merged into a cramped wooden semi-floating school which we finally opted to visit and donate to since our target destination was no more.
The floating school had Captured international audience with its Marine architecture and solar powered design by a consortium of companies, the Navy and Charity Organizations with a mandate just like @steem-lagos, to give Makoko kids Basic and safe Education.
We Donated LifeJackets to the School for the Rainy Season.
So as a Steemit Cooperate Social Responsiblity, i and my team funded and donated lifejackets to the students of the school for safety during this rainy season and maximum increase in water level. We planned to donate 250 pieces more for the whole school and staffs and provide Educational materials to this slowly drifting school.
With enough funds, this kids not only have good education but a safer one with zero casualties each school sessions.
BRAZIL'S FAVELAS AND ISTANBUL'S GECEKONDU FLOATING COMMUNITIES
Makoko is faced with yearly threat of demolition from the Government for its Urban Development plans, just like Badia; another Swampland community in Lagos main ship port Apapa, which was demolished with over 15,000 people rendered homeless and with no compensation from the state Government.
Makoko has close to or over 300,000 inhabitants, a bigger targets if the Urban planning do not accomodate these helpless citizens of the floating Slum.
Brazil and Turkey had similar cases and their communities developed organically without casualities. These are lives that needs fair chances to living, and
"It would seem sensible, before engaging in rhetoric planning about redevelopment to come to full understanding of what's actually there in the Slum"- Robert Neuwirth, Global Informal Settlement Writer.
Hello Friends, how is your week going?. Check out some of my latest amateur writing below. I appreciate all the support I have gotten from you all!
TAKING STEEM INTO THE WORLD'S LARGEST FLOATING SLUM #1; A TALE FROM MY CITY! ULOG #2...(See Video Below)
Ulogging Day #1; A Ferocious Ulogger, What the City made me become!
Blockchain Memory Project - Journal Entry (5)- "I DID EVERYTHING LEGIT FOR MONEY"
CASTING ALL MY BURDENS ON HIM FOR HE CARES...
MAGIC COTTON- A WEAPON AGAINST OIL POLLUTION
All Images without source were taken with Samsung A3 and Samsung Galaxy Tab courtesy of @sammie85
FOLLOW-UPVOTE-RESTEEM AND MAYBE DROP A SUPPORTING OR CONTRARY COMMENT.....It's your friendly Neighbor @oluwoleolaide for Steem-Lagos-Nigeria-Africa-World!
Badge courtesy of @jodi.pamungka Animated Footer by @rituparnaghos.