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After the final evaluation, applicants anticipate a favourable response (email) from the recruitment team, and when it finally drops and it is a congratulatory email, they jump for joy as they couldn't contain their excitement.
While you rejoice, the thought of relocation drops in your heart, and a thousand questions about the uncertainties of relocation start creeping into your mind:
Are you ready to relocate?
You might be posted to a village lacking electricity and internet access.
You will be travelling miles down to the west, do you think it is worth it?
Do you have the finances needed for a successful relocation?
You already have a life here, do you want to start all over again in an unknown destination?
And the thoughts and questions are just coming like an unending adrenaline rush. Yes, we know, nothing is scarier than the unknown. As a result, we've asked some of our Fellows to share their relocation journeys and experiences, as well as how they were able to settle into their host community and hints that you'll find useful when it's your turn to embark on that life-changing journey.
My relocation journey was a strenuous one but the support I got from the community of Fellows made it seamless
My relocation journey was a strenuous one but the support I got from the community of Fellows made it seamless
Fiyinfoluwa, 2022 Fellow
Fiyinfoluwa, 2022 Fellow
When the placement letter came, I was skeptical because I was posted to a remote village. It began to dawn on me like never before that I would be leaving the known for the unknown. And it genuinely caused some concern (I had dreaded being assigned to a village). Truthfully, that period was a very intense one because I was uncertain about many things; the community I was going to, the people living in the community, my learners, how I would cope in a "strange" land... There was just a lot! When I thought about my upcoming relocation, a million and one questions raced through my mind (as they do or would for some of you).
My relocation journey was a very strenuous one. I was in Lagos after the pre-service training until a week before resumption. When I left Lagos, I had to travel to Abeokuta to drop off the bag I took to the institute, after which I travelled to Akure (where I was working before TFN) to take everything else I needed. I left everything I brought in Abeokuta and proceeded to my placement community on the day of resumption with just a handbag that had a few dresses. It took a while before I was able to bring all my stuff to Obafe (the community where I live). This is due to a problem with the accommodation I received.
One of the things that helped in my relocation journey was the support I got from the 2020 fellows I met in my community. A female fellow accommodated two of us for about one month. I wouldn't say my relocation journey was a smooth ride. It costs me money, physical strength, emotional agility, and a lot more. But the good thing is that I learned a lot. Ultimately, I pulled through!
Now and then, people relocate. In recent years, many people have relocated to different states or countries around the world. People relocate for different reasons. So, relocation, I believe, should not be a barrier to applying for the fellowship if you think it's worthwhile. Would it be a walk in the park? I doubt. But where there is a will, there will be a way.
Is there a strong reason to apply for the fellowship? I don't think the challenge of relocation should stop you. I would only advise that you begin to make adequate preparation. Rather than stopping you, the fear of the unknown should make you prepare even better. Yes, there would be doubts and uncertainty, just as there were for me, but I believe you would pull through. While it is easier to play the safe game and stay in one's comfort zone, it is sometimes better to step outside of one's comfort zone and venture into the unknown.
If you desire this journey of change and making an impact, please go ahead, notwithstanding the fear of relocation. Apart from your preparation, there is a supportive community (TFN fellows and coaches) willing to assist you in that season of transitioning and beyond.
The Teach For Nigeria Loan made relocation from Kaduna State easy for me
The Teach For Nigeria Loan made relocation from Kaduna State easy for me
Charles, 2022 Fellow
A friend sent me an application link for Teach for Nigeria in April 2022, which I completed in two days. During the application process, I was focused and hoping to be posted to Kaduna state because I was residing in Zaria, Kaduna state, and I wanted to avoid the cost of relocation, but after completing the second round of interviews, I was informed that the position available was only for Ogun state. To make a long story short, I was accepted into the two-year fellowship and decided to relocate to Ogun State. I attended the institute training in Lagos before relocating to Abeokuta, South Ogun State, where I am now. When it came to transportation, I spent a lot more money than other people in and around Ogun State. As we all know, moving can be costly, but with proper planning and resource management, it can be done at the lowest possible cost. I used Nipost Logistics to transport my belongings to Abeokuta, and Teach For Nigeria provided me with a loan to help with the costs of finding a new apartment and relocating. I'm glad I decided to relocate to Abeokuta.
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