Gamel SanKarl

  IS SCHOOL A SCAM?  Whilst in Residency, we had a daily routine of picking a topic at random and sharing our thoughts on same during breakfast.  We would often find ourselves engaging in healthy conversations on educational issues, politics and national development, relationships and marriage, youth development and of course writing, which was that one thing that Brough us together.  On one particular morning after breakfast, we zeroed in on discussion about education in Africa. One resident without mincing words blurted out;'School is a Scam! It is not exactly what our parents and society has sold to us'.  He continued, 'We have been told from childhood that; Go to school, complete and get a well paying job to help set you up in life. But the reality on the ground is different. I think school is a big scam.l especially in Africa'.  With these statements, the tone was set for our conversation at the dinning table. Each resident shared his views on same. We...

  HIGH SCHOOL VISIT  As resident writers of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, we required to reach out to high students of some selected  high schools to share with them our ideas and insights on writing as well as our experiences in life.  Reaching out and speaking to students has always been an exciting thing for me. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I took it with both hands.  Our first school outreach was at the St. John's Grammar School, located within the Baracks area of the Iseyin catchment area.  It was a Wednesday morning and we got to speak to them right after their morning assembly and Wednesday worship session.  After one of the teachers introduced us to the student body, we took turns to share some few words of inspiration with the students.  I had a simple message for the students. I told them that education presents each one of a level playing ground to take our place in life.  And that if they focused on deve...

  READERS AND WRITERS MAKE LIBRARIES RELEVANT  I believe that libraries through their knowledge offerings change mindsets, mould destinies and ultimately shape lives for good. And Carlos Domínguez succintly expresses this as; “To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books.”  During our visit to the RAJI Oke-Esa Memorial Library last weekend, we had the opportunity to speak to some high school students who had come to the library to study.  As resident writers, we took turns introducing ourselves and sharing our experiences with these students on the essence of reading and how relevant it is to their personal, career and professional growth.  When I took my turn, I shared these few words with them:  'Today, we are here because someone decided to put up this beautiful edifice, furnish it and got it shelved with books.  We are gathered here because of books. This library is functional and relevant because of books...

  LIBRARIES ARE LIT! THEY CREATE LIFE!  Germaine Greer once opined that; “A library is a place where you can lose your innocence without losing your virginity.” How true! And this truth has been my experience since childhood.  My love for libraries started at an early age of twelve. I once chanced on a primary school classmate of mine with some story books, and they looked very appealing. Their make, feel and look as well as titles enticed me. I wanted to have a read and so I asked her 'Where did you get these story books?'  She was kind enough to direct me to the community library where she borrowed the books. And that place became my safe haven ever after, especially during my high school and university days.  The words of E.B White best describes my experience when I finally registered and got for myself a library card.  I felt that; “A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A li...

  I’m one of God’s own masterpiece He molded me in one perfect piece  I will be His proud mouthpiece I’ll speak of Him and never cease  Whether in health or disease He still holds me in one piece I’ll speak of Him and never cease  He grants me peace; perfect peace He always always puts me at ease  God doesn’t require me to appease He just wants me to live in peace He wants me to love men in peace  I am a masterpiece of a man Made by the master craftsman

  Scenes in my Sleep  Eyes partially opened Mind gently activates  A sound sleep it was Silently laying in bed  Thinking on the scenes  Of the dreams of my night  Scenes sacrosanct  Scenes so sweet  Scenes of the past  Scenes of the present  Scenes of unknown future On the screens of my mind  Scenes featured in my sleep  Who sends these scenes? What do these mean?  And for what reasons?

  SCENES AND SIGHTS ON IYAKE SUSPENDED LAKE   Saturday, 26th March, 2022 was the date. It was my 7th day in Nigeira since my last visit to this popular African country, five years ago. My first visit was in September 2017, during the Adire Heritage Festival in Lekki.  I came courtesy the Baobab Awards International and received an award for Culture and Community Development, an award in recognition of my literary initiatives and interventions in Ghana. This indeed is a moment worth remembering.  But on this particular first Saturday of my second visit, I was having a sober reflection and reminiscing on my week since I arrived in Iseyin for the Writers Residency.  Then a knock landed on my door. I reluctantly dragged my feet, got closer and opened the door, wondering who could be interrupting my sweet moment of reverie. It was Fakunle Busayo, a fellow writer and resident.  He had come to enquire from me if I would want to join him for an event being attended...