Growing up in Eniwari, Bayelsa State, in the deep interiors of the Niger Delta, all we wanted as young pupils was to go to school in a safe learning environment. To say that St. Johns Primary School, Eniwari, the school I attended as a kid and the one that still houses a combined 500 kids, was not anything close to an ideal learning environment, is putting it mildly. We lacked even the basic necessities like desks, books, and most importantly, a safe environment in which to learn - a heavy downpour of rain meant the end of our school day. Sadly, to this day, the kids in the village still lack all the things we lacked, and more.

At the age of twelve, a chance-trip to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, opened my eyes to a modern elementary school - at least it was far better than what we had in Eniwari. I vividly remember going back to the village at that tender age and thinking that I would do something about our school when I grew up. Fast forward 14 years to the 2000 Sydney Olympics - I am on the podium, receiving the gold medal in the 69kg class for the freestyle wrestling event. Tears stream down my face, as I daydream that I will finally be able to write a $400,000 check to have a modern elementary school built in my village. I would name the school the "Maureen Matheny Elementary School", after my guardian angel, my surrogate mother in Canada, who had passed away of cancer complications in 1999.

I have since come to realize, however, that amateur athletes in Canada, especially those in the less popular sports, never make big sponsorship dollars. In a nutshell, I was not able to personally write the check, as I had anticipated, but my friends from far and wide, all works of life, people who believe that every child should have the right to learn in a safe environment, from all provinces in Canada, have contributed to make the "Maureen Matheny Elementary School" almost a reality.

Donors to the school project:

May I thank General Mills (the makers of Cheerios), my key sponsors, who, in addition to donating the initial take-off funds, provided funds for Kevin Matheny (one of the architects of the school project), and myself, to launch a nation wide campaign. This was closely followed by the "Unknown Canadian" - Canadians from all walks of life - who donated from $1 dollar to $50,000 dollars. Notable mention is being made here of Joel Gordon (Wrestling with Destiny), CBC (Life and Times: Daniel Igali Wrestling With Destiny), and all the numerous newspapers and cable channels who have highlighted our cause; Lalita Krishna for lighting a fire underneath this project from the start; Ella Warrington, for donating a sizeable amount of funds for the construction of a bore hole for clean drinking water; Ryan Hreljac Foundation; Bell Mobility; the Social Justice Fund (CAW); and Paul Nemeth (late), a mentor of mine, who donated $50,000 to the project, and after whom the auditorium in the school will be named.

I also want to extend my gratitude to all the elementary and secondary schools that have chosen to be involved, most notably Gordon Graydon Secondary School in Toronto, Ontario. May I also thank Simon Fraser University, and in particular, the able leadership of the Chancellor, Dr. Wong, and the President, Dr. Stevenson, whose ongoing support to the school project has been invaluable. I cannot afford to forget to mention Advanced Interactive, Nello Angerilli, Ambassador John Bell, and Simon Fraser University's Department of Education for their support through-out this process.

In addition, may I thank the Government of Canada, through CIDA, who has made the highest contribution to the school project to date. CIDA's involvement in the school project is of immense importance to me, and to the kids in Eniwari who will benefit from this school project. I also want to thank the Government of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and his Excellency Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha. Bayelsa State is the second highest donor to the school project and I thank the government of Bayelsa State for displaying their priority towards education in this way. Many thanks also for the co-operation we have received this far, and will certainly receive in the future.

I cannot stop telling the tale of the construction of the school project without mentioning CUSO. Without the involvement of CUSO, the school project would still be in its 'teething phase'. The effects of the immense organizational skills that CUSO has brought to bear on this project are immeasurable. I rest assured in the knowledge that CUSO's co-operants, those who oversee the A-Z of the school project, are well-qualified and most capable. Having the opportunity to witness the work that CUSO is doing with the Maureen Matheny Elementary School has given me a clear understanding of the importance of not-for-profit organizations in the process of nation building, the world over. Due to space limitations, I may have neglected to name some important contributors to the school project; please remain patient with me and forgive my oversight.

The Grand Picture

The plan for the Maureen Matheny Elementary School is: a modern elementary school, with 12 classrooms, an administrative block, recreational facilities, a modern library, and a modern computer room (complete with 45 computers). In an area of the country where most school children have never seen a computer in their lives, an important part of this vision is to enable all of the kids in the school to become computer literate by grade six. As most teachers are not computer literate themselves, there is a real need for volunteers who will teach necessary computer skills, staff the new library and teach local staff how to run the affairs of the library, and to lend instruction on general administration of the school.

We are yet to secure funds for the two generators that will power the computers, neither do we have the finances for the equipping of the library. As you can see, we are still in need of substantial funds to cover the necessary school expenditure.

Volunteers Needed

Anyone interested in finding out more, or about volunteering at the Maureen Matheny Elementary School in Eniwari, can send an email to Daniel Igali at . For every volunteer willing to contribute to the school project, The Daniel Igali Foundation in Nigeria will make necessary logistical arrangements and provide accommodation. The success of the school construction has been largely due to the help of our many volunteers; the continued success of the school will lie in the same support from the many more volunteers to come. I encourage student teachers, retired administrators, and anyone willing to have an experience in a third world country to consider volunteering at the Maureen Matheny Elementary School.

To be able to operate and maintain 45 computers, two running generators, a library, the maintenance of the accommodation facilities, and the logistical arrangements for volunteers from different parts of the world, the Maureen Matheny Elementary School will need steady funds for sustainability. In this light, I encourage those interested and able, to consider making cash donations towards the sustainability of the school project, with thanks.

To make donations, please send a cheque to:

Igali Foundation Inc.
8876-140 Street
P.O. Box 16531
Surrey, British Columbia
Canada V3W 2P5