RDSF VOLUNTEER MRS MARTHA JESULEKE

Kindly tell us about your background, family and education.

I was born in Akure, Ondo State, and I am the youngest child in my family. Unfortunately, I lost my father when I was barely three years old, which meant my mother had to single-handedly raise my siblings and me. Despite belonging to royal families on both sides, we faced various challenges along the way.

My mother has been my greatest role model, and observing her overcome numerous obstacles has inspired me to strive for success. Witnessing her reach the pinnacle of her career in lecturing, I have set ambitious goals for myself, aiming to achieve even greater heights.

I pursued my higher education at the University of Lagos, where I obtained a master's degree in Measurement and Evaluation in 2016. Additionally, I have acquired several certifications that have further enhanced my skills and knowledge. With a strong foundation in Education and a passion for continuous growth, I am only beginning to explore the vast possibilities that lie ahead of me.

“My mother has been my greatest role model, and observing her overcome numerous obstacles has inspired me to strive for success.”

Is there any way your upbringing has influenced your choice of charity?

Absolutely! The way I was raised has had a significant impact on my choice of charity work. My mother, who has always been a generous person, serves as the coordinator of the children's ministry in a denomination for more than three decades and has a genuinely caring nature that has inspired many others to help people in need.

Being a counselling psychologist, she strongly believes in giving back to the community, and one of the ways she contributes is by providing counselling services to those who require support.

Growing up in such an environment, I naturally developed a strong inclination toward helping others. It became effortless for me to help those in need.

Volunteering has become the most fulfilling way for me to make a difference and extend a helping hand to those who require it. The values instilled in me during my upbringing continue to guide my choices in the realm of charity work.

“Volunteering has become the most fulfilling way for me to make a difference and extend a helping hand to those who require it.”

Many people know you as a teacher but you are quite more engaged with students outside the academic curriculum. Please share with us some of the initiatives and avenues through which you mentor young people.

Thank you for asking about my involvement with students beyond academics. Besides being a teacher, I actively mentor young individuals through multi ple initiatives. As the co-founder of "TheJesuleke," we connect secondary school students and leavers with mentors who help them prepare for life. Our platform matches students with experienced professionals from various fields, providing guid ance and valuable insights for their chosen careers.

Additionally, we collaborate with organizations to train students on sustainable development, equip ping them with skills for a sustainable future. Workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions are organized to broaden students' horizons and develop vital life skills. Through these efforts, we empower students, contributing to their growth and a brighter future.

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We admire your commitment as a volunteer at RDSF. What project would you consider the most emotional to you and why?

Thank you for acknowledging my commitment as a volunteer at RDSF. The most emotional project for me is the Teacher's Excellence Award. Gathering information about nominated teachers, I heard learners speak about the profound impact their teachers had on them.

The stories shared were truly amazing and showcased the transformative power of education. Witnessing the deep connection between teachers and students and the genuine appreciation expressed left a lasting impression, reinforcing my passion for supporting education in our community.

“Thank you for acknowledging my commitment as a volunteer at RDSF. The most emotional project for me is the Teacher's Excellence Award.

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer at RDSF?

My experience as a volunteer at RDSF has been nothing short of life-changing. Being part of an unwaveringly dedicated team and contributing to projects that truly matter has been a profoundly rewarding journey. I have been privileged to witness the extraordinary impact RDSF has on our community firsthand, whether through initiatives like the Teacher's Excellence Award, Vocational trainings, or other transformative projects.

As a living testimony, having been honored as the 1st runner up for the Teacher's Excellence Award in 2021, I have seen the power of education to ignite profound change in individuals' lives. Connecting with learners and hearing their stories has both inspired and humbled me, reinforcing my unwavering belief in the paramount importance of giving back. This experience has ignited an unquenchable motivation within me to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of others.