By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a bid to educate their students about the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the past, Pearl Regal Schools in Shangisha/Magodo, Kosofe, Lagos State, recently organized a captivating “Old School Day” event. The celebration, designed to create lasting memories for the children, proved to be a delightful and educational experience.
During the event, the pupils immersed themselves in the customs and lifestyle of the olden days. They learned about traditional clothing, sang songs from yesteryears, and discovered the mannerisms and greetings of bygone eras. The highlight of the day was the exploration of old-time cuisine and a deeper understanding of how children were disciplined in those times.
Speaking to Kosofe Post, Mojisola Adeyemi, an educator at Pearl Regal Schools, emphasized the necessity of introducing students to their historical roots. Adeyemi expressed concern that many children today are disconnected from the past, lacking knowledge about the lives and experiences of their predecessors.
“We noticed that our children have very limited knowledge about the olden days,” Adeyemi shared. “They are unaware of how people dressed, what they ate, where they lived, or the nature of their work. To bridge this gap in their education, we decided to organize an Old School Day, where they could experience the realities of that era.”
Recognizing that parents often struggle to find the time to share stories from the past, the school invited the pupils’ grandparents to participate in the event. This allowed the children to interact directly with their elders, asking questions and gaining valuable insights into life in the olden days.
The enthusiastic children eagerly posed questions to their grandparents, seeking to grasp the essence of their ancestors’ experiences. They inquired about the types of work undertaken during those times, whether children had fun as they do now, what kind of food was consumed, and even where money was kept. The grandparents gracefully responded, enriching the children’s understanding of their cultural heritage.
“The presence of the grandparents was instrumental in making the event more meaningful,” Adeyemi explained. “The children were able to connect with their family history, don traditional costumes, and listen to their grandparents’ captivating tales. It was a transformative experience that brought history to life.”