Finding the Path Again: My Journey with Agriculture Education and 4-H
Introduction:
Life has a way of testing us. Sometimes, the things that once fueled our passion and energy feel like they’ve slowed down. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on this, especially in relation to my work with Bani Agribusiness Solutions and my vision of bringing 4-H to rural communities in Nigeria. Since arriving in the U.S. for my Masters, It has been a mixture of good and bad days. Trying to settle in and adapt to the new way of life has been quite challenging, however it has been a really good experience. I have had the opportunity to meet really nice people and ,make valuable connections. I had the opportunity to intern with the State 4-H Department. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge so far, but I’ve also faced challenges in maintaining the momentum I once had.
Rediscovering My Why:
When I first started Bani Agribusiness Solutions, my vision was clear—I wanted to empower rural communities in Nigeria through agriculture, starting with the youngest generation. That vision still burns inside me, but I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to pause and reassess the journey. I recently realized that while I may have slowed down, I haven’t lost sight of what I want to achieve.
The work I did during my internship at the state 4-H department opened my eyes to new opportunities. I learned about programs like “Egg to Chick,” which would teach children hands-on agricultural skills, and I saw how I could apply this to rural primary schools in Nigeria. Yet, despite all the resources I’ve gathered, I haven’t taken the big steps I had planned.
Taking Small Steps to Move Forward:
Here’s the thing, progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. I’ve decided to start small, with what I can control. I’ve already connected with my team in Nigeria, and we’re laying the groundwork to introduce the “Egg to Chick” project in one rural school. This will be our pilot, a small but powerful first step towards establishing a full-fledged 4-H club.
I’ve also realized that sharing my journey is just as important as living it. I want to get back to writing, posting, and connecting with the community I’ve built around Bani Agribusiness Solutions. The stories, the challenges, and the successes are all part of this journey, and I’m ready to embrace them again.
Looking Ahead:
So, what’s next? For me, it’s about showing up, both for myself and for the vision I believe in. I’ll be sharing more updates on our projects, starting with the launch of the “Egg to Chick” project in Nigeria. It’s not the grand start I imagined, but it’s a start, and that’s what matters. I’m ready to find the path again, one step at a time.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this journey. Your encouragement means more than you know, and I’m excited to keep moving forward.
Founder
Adebayo
English