Grateful for Life, Even in Chaos

Today was filled with a load of tasks. I could hardly believe my eyes. Another saddening incident that almost brought me to tears was the accident involving one of our students right in front of the school gate. Although she’s not in the senior school where I work, she still belongs to the same school; just the junior section.

Today marks the third day of resumption, and we continued with our welcome test as a way to prepare students for the new term and to send a message to those who didn’t come to school that we are serious this time. It’s no longer business as usual, where most students stay at home during the first week of resumption, as it used to be during the tenure of our previous principal, who didn't care if students came to school or not.

After the welcome test, which lasted about four hours, I had to teach SS2 students the topic “Tense” and also engaged in extra-curricular activities with the SS1 students.

While I was still teaching, I noticed a lot of students gathering outside. At first, I didn’t think much of it since it was close to closing time. I simply decided to keep some students back so we could update their notes and review the scheme of work.

Not long after, the principal sent for me. She asked that I accompany her to the hospital since the junior school principal wasn’t around. Someone had to be there to represent the school.

We had learned that a truck driver was the one who hit the girl. Thank God he wasn’t speeding, and she wasn’t hit by the front of the truck, just the side. Still, she sustained serious injuries. She had to be stitched multiple times on her hand and leg. Worse still, she hit her head on the ground. We thank God it wasn’t a fatal accident.

The driver didn’t flee the scene. In fact, he rushed the girl to the hospital before we even arrived. Thankfully, there were many doctors on duty who attended to her immediately, even before any payment was made. I told myself it was because she was in uniform. If she hadn’t been in her school uniform, the hospital might not have responded so quickly. Also, the fact that the driver didn’t run away is commendable. Many drivers would have fled, especially on an express road.

We have suggested that barricades be placed on the road, but unfortunately, the road is still under construction. It’s a painful incident, but we thank God for her life. The driver was literally in tears and took full responsibility for the medical bills. The girl has since been admitted for intensive care and close monitoring.