Good morning staff and students of JMC. My name is Effa Marie and I’m here to talk about the virtue of the week.
Effa Marie
The topic this week is about making sure everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued, no matter who they are, where they come from or whatever weird qualities they might possess. Imagine being in a school where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background, race, gender or beliefs. That is inclusivity. I want to start by asking you a simple question: Have you ever felt left out? Maybe it was in a group project, a lunch table, or a conversation where no one noticed you. If you have, you know how painful that can be. Now, imagine feeling that way every single day. Think of a time when you felt unseen—like your voice didn’t matter, like you were standing in a room full of people but still completely alone. Maybe you’ve never experienced that. But I guarantee someone standing near you right now has. That feeling, that silent ache of exclusion is exactly why inclusivity matters.
Now, you might be wondering, ‘What exactly is inclusivity?’
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, to include is to make somebody or something part of something. Thus, inclusivity is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or intellectual disabilities or belonging to other minority groups. In other words, inclusivity is about creating an environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. It is the idea that all types of people, for whatever differences, should be given a sense of belonging wherever they may find themselves. But let’s be clear: inclusivity is not just a word we throw around to sound good. It’s not just a policy or a checkbox. True inclusivity is uncomfortable. It challenges us. It forces us to examine our biases, to confront the ways we unintentionally exclude others, and to step beyond what is familiar and easy.
We often think of inclusivity as simply welcoming people who are different or who came from other schools into SS1. But real inclusivity is more than just tolerance—it is deliberate action. It is creating space, not just offering a seat at the table, but changing the conversation so that every voice matters. It is choosing to listen when it’s easier to speak. It is standing beside someone who is alone, even when it makes you the odd one out. It is making sure that no one has to shrink themselves to fit in.
Let us look at it from JMC’s perspective and I’ll be using myself as a case study. As a new student finding myself in a new environment, you can expect that things are going to be quite difficult for me to adapt to easily. But I can tell you that it’s through the inclusive nature of this school and the members of this great community that I’ve been able to cope with the obstacles and challenges hurled right at me. It is also because of this that I’ve been able to find and build new friendships with people like Dumebi, Zara, Ekondu, Ivy, George, Onyi, Daniel, my entire set as a whole and throughout the school as well.
You can display acts of inclusivity when:
- You see someone being left out in a class gist and you decide to ask them about their opinion on a particular matter so that they wouldn’t feel left out.
- In the dining hall, as a prefect trying to make sure everyone gets food, irrespective of their class (that is, JSS1 or SS3), or being friends with them or not.
- Inclusivity is not only about including others in a group, it’s also about you making efforts to participate more in activities, thereby including yourself too.
Why is the practice of inclusivity important?
Look around you at this assembly. Do you see diversity? Different skin tones, different abilities, different beliefs, different experiences? That’s beautiful. But diversity is not the same as inclusivity. A school can be diverse and still divided. A classroom can have students of every background and still silence certain voices. A friend group can be open but still have unspoken barriers. So, the real question is: Do we live inclusivity, or do we just say we believe in it?
Practicing inclusivity in our daily lives can help foster deeper connections with the people around us, and create a more positive society by respecting and embracing the uniqueness and perspectives of other individuals. It promotes the development of empathy and our ability to understand and see things from different perspectives as you actively listen to the viewpoints of others.
JMC has provided each and every one of us with activities that help inculcate inclusiveness in our lives by bringing us all together. Activities like social nights, movie nights, presidential breakfasts and class Masses all serve as a means of promoting interactions between us students, while activities like PSE and Guidance, Frank Talks and House meetings help to bridge the gap between students and staff. It is because of these opportunities that I find myself steadily assimilating into the system without too much stress. For that, I am grateful.
Essentially, inclusivity is about seeing people. Truly seeing them. So today, I challenge each of you to go deeper. Ask yourself: Who in this school feels invisible? Where have I unknowingly built walls instead of bridges? How can I use my privilege—whether it’s my voice, my influence, or my presence—to make others feel like they belong? Because the truth is, inclusion is not about charity. It is not about “helping” others. It is about recognizing that none of us are whole until all of us belong. It’s about bringing people together to create an environment where everyone belongs and can thrive. And in doing so, we can all cultivate happier, healthier and more interesting relationships. So, let’s not just talk about inclusivity. Let’s live it.
Thank you and have a nice week.
Marie EFFA
Class of 2027